

6 Minute English
BBC Radio
Learn and practise useful English language for everyday situations.
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Find more at https://www.bbclearningenglish.com
Follow us at
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 14, 2023 • 6min
Elephant-proof farming
Farmers in Africa face challenges with crop raids by elephants. They are implementing innovative solutions, like using beehive fences based on ancient Kenyan folklore. The effectiveness of real bees and recorded bee sounds in deterring elephants is discussed. Additional benefits of bees in pollination and honey production are highlighted.

17 snips
Nov 2, 2023 • 6min
Should we farm octopus?
This podcast explores the ethical considerations of farming octopus, the challenges of keeping them in captivity, and their sentience as revealed by research. It also mentions a multinational company facing criticism for selling farmed octopus and the escape of Inky the octopus from an aquarium.

8 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 6min
Ways to live for 100 years
Discover the secrets to living to 100, including medical advancements, the importance of relationships, and unconventional ways to stay young. Learn about Dr. Barzilai's treatments for slowing down aging, the connection between the Fountain of Youth and the Peter Pan syndrome, and vocabulary about centenarians and aging.

11 snips
Oct 19, 2023 • 6min
How green is your money?
Discusses the importance of knowing where our money is invested and highlights ethical banks. Explores the impact of customer influence and Richard Curtis' campaign. Emphasizes responsible pensions and the effectiveness of ethical investments in fighting climate change.

15 snips
Oct 12, 2023 • 6min
Mushrooms: Medicine or myth?
This podcast explores the booming medicinal mushroom market and the claims surrounding their benefits, including their potential as super brain drugs. The clash between scientific evidence and ancient wisdom is discussed, along with the intriguing discovery of mushrooms that can glow in the dark.

10 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 6min
Saving dead languages
Podcast discusses the revival of Australian languages, particularly the Barngala language. It explores the destruction of Aboriginal languages by the Australian Government and efforts to revive them. The irony of using a dictionary initially intended for 'Christianizing heathens' is explored, highlighting the importance of language preservation and correcting historical injustices.

8 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 6min
Sounds that make you want to scream
Explore 'misophonia' - a condition causing distress from certain sounds. Learn about the impact of repetitive noises on sufferers and coping strategies for triggered reactions.

7 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 6min
How fans talk about their passions
The podcast explores the world of fandoms and fan culture and how the internet has facilitated connections between passionate fans worldwide. They also discuss the unique language of fandom and the benefits and challenges of being a fan.

19 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 6min
Making male friends
The podcast explores the challenges men face in making close friendships, discussing the impact on mental health. They also touch on gender stereotypes in friendship-making and the importance of friendships for mental well-being.

12 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 6min
Space-saving solar hacks
Discover innovative solar projects like solar canopies in Walmart's car parks and solar panels in outer space, as well as the historical story of an ancient Greek philosopher who used the sun's power to burn enemy Roman ships.