Listening: a wide range of science podcasts
Lower intermediate to advanced level (B1/C2)

If you are interested in science, technology or medicine, you can stream or download a very large number of podcasts from the Naked Scientists, a team of scientists, doctors and communicators based at Cambridge University’s Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). Science podcasts

The Naked Scientists have been downloading since 2001 and are listened to by millions of people every year. A selection of topics covered includes: colonising Mars, marathon running, and 3D printing so I’m sure you’ll find something to interest you. Most of the podcasts involve discussions and interviews so you can get used to people interacting. You will also come across a variety of accents so your listening will improve in a number of ways.

The content includes quite a lot of academic vocabulary so if you are working on improving your academic English, including your writing, this resource will almost definitely help. The ‘Questions’ section includes a transcript of the podcasts so you can check what is being said. Remember that natural spoken English usually contains mistakes and ‘strange’ grammar so don’t copy everything you hear! However, at least it shows that you don’t have to be perfect to speak a language!