

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

52 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 7min
Are we getting more allergic to things?
The discussion opens with personal allergy stories, revealing surprising statistics on the growing prevalence of allergies. Listeners learn about the staggering reality faced by those managing over 50 allergies, especially in social settings. The spotlight shifts to Australia, described as the allergy capital, facing a crisis with rising rates among infants. Innovative management strategies like vitamin D and immunotherapy offer hope, while a fun interactive quiz reinforces key vocabulary on this critical topic.

81 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 7min
Can we boost the immune system?
Curious about boosting your immune system? Discover whether ginger shots and turmeric are true health heroes. The hosts share personal winter health stories and debunk myths with a fun quiz on popular supplements. Plus, explore the chilly trend of cold water swimming, its mental and immune benefits, and the ongoing debate over its effectiveness. Join them as they unravel the mysteries surrounding health and immunity!

101 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 6min
Healthy meals on a budget
Is healthy eating really out of reach for budget-conscious folks? Discover clever strategies for saving money on nutritious food. Learn about a program that delivers affordable ingredients right to your door while building a supportive cooking community via WhatsApp. Experience the joy of preparing classic dishes like chana masala, mastering essential techniques and measurements along the way. Plus, enrich your culinary vocabulary and explore how simple recipes can be just as satisfying as fancy dining!

85 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 6min
Should we eat less rice?
The podcast dives into the environmental and health impacts of rice consumption. It discusses the challenges of rice cultivation in the face of climate change. Listeners learn about innovative farming techniques, like alternate wet drying, that enhance water efficiency and reduce methane emissions. The dialogue encourages rethinking dietary choices and highlights the importance of sustainable practices in rice farming. Engaging statistics and interactive quizzes make it a fun way to explore this vital staple food.

43 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 6min
The country that measures happiness
Discover Bhutan's fascinating approach to happiness, where gross national happiness is prioritized over mere economic growth. The discussion reveals how community and social connections play a crucial role in well-being. Hear about the challenges Bhutan faces, such as brain drain, and the innovative Mindfulness City initiative aimed at attracting skilled workers. The blend of Buddhist culture and environmental preservation showcases a unique path toward sustainable happiness, making it a compelling topic for anyone interested in well-being and cultural insights.

74 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 7min
A vaccine for cancer
Breakthroughs in cancer research are igniting hope for a revolutionary vaccine. Discover how cancer cells cleverly dodge the immune system. Advances in immunotherapy are paving new paths in treatment. Learn how cancer vaccines could revolutionize care by specifically targeting malignant cells while sparing healthy ones. The discussion wraps up with a quiz on vaccination history and key vocabulary, enhancing your understanding of this vital topic.

121 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
Young women on social media
Young women navigate a complex online world, encountering both empowering opportunities and intense pressure. The dual impact of social media is revealed, as it fosters political engagement while challenging mental health. Issues like online bullying and societal conformity add layers to their experiences. Support and advocacy emerge as crucial for navigating the online landscape. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding, punctuated by a fun vocabulary quiz to reinforce key concepts.

271 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 7min
Rage bait: How online anger makes money
Dive into the world of rage bait and discover how it cleverly manipulates online viewers' emotions. Learn about the tactics that provoke outrage and how this approach differs from traditional clickbait. Explore the psychological impact on social media dynamics and influencer strategies. Finally, gain valuable insights on how to critically assess provocative content and break the cycle of sharing anger-inducing posts.

81 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 7min
Why smells make us feel at home
Smells have a powerful link to our feelings of home, often evoking deep memories and emotions. Guests share personal stories about how familiar scents create a sense of comfort and security. Dive into the science behind our olfactory senses and discover how we can become desensitized to the unique aromas of our surroundings. Meanwhile, a shocking exploration of the wellness industry reveals troubling truths about exploitation and manipulation, challenging perceptions of this seemingly positive space.

37 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 7min
Becoming a musician
Discover the challenging yet inspiring journey of aspiring musicians in the UK. Hear stories from a young artist honing his skills at open mics and a London busker finding his voice on the streets. Explore the importance of busking as both a creative outlet and income source. Learn intriguing musical vocabulary and find out about Elvis Presley's remarkable chart success. The conversation also dives into the lesser-known dark aspects of the wellness industry, exposing hidden issues that need addressing.