Diksha Sundriyal
Learning a new language is always fun, but it can soon turn into a hectic task if you allow yourself to slip at any turn. In such times, you need to keep reminding yourself why you started it in the first place. If you have chosen to add Spanish to your linguist resumé, then you have made a very smart choice. After Mandarin Chinese, it is the most spoken native language in the world. It is the official language of over 20 countries, so you’ll be covering a lot of ground at once. It is also one of the six official languages of UN, so if you are thinking about taking that career route, it’ll serve you greatly.
Apart from this, learning Spanish also allows you to watch some popular Spanish movies and TV shows without dubbing or subtitles. But before you can enjoy these perks, you will have to put in some effort. I know how easy it’ll seem to give up, but you hold on to it. To help you, we have dug up some great podcasts that’ll allow you to polish your skills without boring the hell out of you. Here’s the list of top Spanish learning podcasts that you should listen to. You can listen to several of these best Spanish podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or even YouTube for free.
10. 15 Minute Spanish for Your Job Podcast (2015- present)
You aren’t really interested in learning any languages, but the problem is that you have to, for your job. It could be because the company is sending you to Spain or someone from there entered into business with yours. You don’t need to be able to read Spanish novels, just want to know enough to get by. Then this podcast is just the thing for you. In short episodes, it focuses on one thing at a time. It doesn’t beat around the bush of basics, rather jumps on the essentials. The next time the Spanish guy says something to you, you’ll know what it is. You can listen to the podcast from the beginning to the latest episode here.
9. Coffee Break Spanish (2008- present)
With episodes ranging from fifteen to thirty minutes, this podcast is something that you can literally listen to over a coffee or lunch break. Prepared like a perfect plan for a person who doesn’t speak Spanish, it starts out with the simplest things you can learn. If your language is a bit rusty and you would like to have a recap before jumping back to the level where you left off, then ‘Coffee Break Spanish’ has you covered. Every episode takes you forward one step at a time. You’ll feel the difference after each season. You can listen to the podcast here.
8. Spanish Obsessed (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) (2014- present)
‘Spanish Obsessed’ is a podcast run by Liz and Rob. They also have a website by the same name, and it houses material for Spanish learners, depending on whatever level you want to pursue. The podcasts also work in a similar manner. If you are already advanced and don’t want to work your way up again from the basics, you can directly go for the ‘Advanced Spanish with Spanish Obsessed’ podcast. If you know nothing about the language and are starting from scratch, then ‘Spanish from Scratch’ is the course for you. The podcast is tailor-made according to your needs. You can listen to all its episodes here.
7. Notes in Spanish Intermediate (2006- present)
So, you have cleared up your basics. The vocabulary is starting to stick now and you can get your way through some pretty common phrases. Now, it’s time to start making conversations. How do you do that? Listen to ‘Notes in Spanish Intermediate’. It features two native Spanish speakers conversing in the language, discussing various topics and basically giving you material to fire up your own conversation with someone else. Textbook conversations can only help you so much. If you want to learn how to converse in real life, this podcast is the answer. You can listen to all its episodes here.
6. Duolingo Spanish Podcast (2017- present)
Duolingo is a popular language learning app and is actually a very good tool if you want to stay in touch with the practice. The app has a whole bunch of languages; it even teaches High Valyrian and Klingon, if you are interested. Point is, if you can’t give much time to books, a couple of lessons on the app would do just fine. The service of the language app has taken a step further with podcasts now. Duolingo has started its own podcasts in French and Spanish language. It features native Spanish speakers sharing their stories with the learners. In order to help you better, English narration is also available. You can listen to the podcast here.
5. Yabla Spanish (2018- present)
This podcast brings you all content in Spanish produced by native speakers. What makes it better than the rest is that it is also a video podcast. If you haven’t fully mastered the hearing part and still rely on subtitles to help you out a bit, then you’ve got it. The videos have captions not only in Spanish but also in English. Moreover, the content is not just to help build your vocab and brush your skills, it is also informative, regarding the Spanish culture and the etiquettes you should uphold while talking in this language. You can listen to all episodes of ‘Yabla Spanish’ here.
4. The Unlimited Spanish Podcast (2015- present)
This is another premier learning podcast that can help you get better at Spanish. It aims to not only help you with listening and understanding but also with speaking. Its structure is made to serve your best interests and you will quickly find yourself picking up the slack. Not only this, but it also allows you to learn about Spanish culture and even gets you to the root of the language. You can listen to all episodes of the podcast here.
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3. Radio Ambulante (2016- present)
Learning vocabulary is the most important thing while learning a new language. Once you have had a good build-up, that’s when you start focusing on the bigger things. If you have reached that part in your Spanish learning, then it is time for you to start listening to Spanish radio. ‘Radio Ambulante’ is the podcast that not only allows you to become more proficient in understanding Spanish, it also educates you on matters related to Latin America. It is an award-winning podcast and if you are still in the beginner levels, you should work your way up to this one. You can listen to all episodes of ‘Radio Ambulante’ here.
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2. Learn Spanish with Spanish Conversations (2016- present)
If you are a beginner, you might want to hold off on this one for a while. At least, until you reach the intermediate level. The content of this podcast is to serve those who have already got a hold on the basics and are ready to take it a step further. Almost all of it is spoken in Spanish and it is a fun way to move forward in the language. Your vocabulary is sure to receive a boost. You can listen to the podcast here.
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1. Spanish Automatic Podcast (2016- present)
Even after learning all the rules of the grammar, even after stacking up the vocabulary, we are often unable to speak properly in a foreign language. The only problem in this situation is confidence. You don’t have enough faith in yourself yet. No app or podcast is going to instill you with that, but this one can make it a bit easier. It comes from a person who speaks around half a bunch of languages herself and the material has been crafted with great thought. It gives you great tips about how to proceed further with the language, no matter what level you are at, and helps you get better at it. You can listen to the podcast here.
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