Mastering Italian comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to listening comprehension. Improving this skill takes time, but with the right resources you can speed up this process. Sure, you could go for the traditional route of watching movies and TV shows in Italian, what if you don’t have time to sit down for 2 hours each day, what do you do?
Here’s where podcasts come to the rescue. Serving as a wonderful addition to your language learning toolkit, listening to podcasts in Italian immerse you in the Italian language, injecting a healthy dose of real-world scenarios into your learning materials.
Improving your listening comprehension is a key skill to improve as it will enhance your fluency and proficiency in Italian. All you need is just a few minutes a day to see start seeing results.
In this guide, I share 10 of the best Italian podcasts suitable for learners at any level – from beginner to advanced. They all offer a FREE version too! Incorporating any of these podcasts into your language learning routine are guaranteed to boost your Italian listening comprehension.
At the end of this guide, don’t miss my top 5 tips on how to make the most of listening to Italian podcasts plus 3 things you should avoid.
Cominciamo! Let’s begin!
By the way, did you know you can learn Italian anytime, and anywhere? Yep, it’s true! Go here to find out how you can learn Italian more efficiently using my unique 80/20 method.
6 Reasons why you should listen to podcasts in Italian
While traditional textbooks and classroom lessons can provide a solid foundation in Italian grammar, Italian podcasts are a powerful learning resource to boost your language proficiency. Once you put in your earbuds and tune into a world of native speakers, a wealth of fantastic benefits awaits. Still not convinced? Take a look at these 6 compelling reasons:
1. Italian podcasts improve your natural speech
Italian podcasts immerse you in the language. You’ll tune in to the way native speakers converse, exposing you to all sorts of colloquial expressions and Italian idioms so you learn how to speak Italian naturally.
2. Improved listening and pronunciation
By regularly listening to podcasts in Italian, this exposure to various Italian accents, intonation and nuances of the language enhances your listening skills so you’re more able to understand Italians from all over the country. Additionally, mimicking the pronunciation of the speakers significantly improves your pronunciation too!
3. Deepen your knowledge of Italian Grammar
Italian podcasts are a great tool to help you better understand how grammar is applied to real-life situations, offering practical insights into how Italians use them in everyday conversations. No more struggling to memorize rules – you’ll effortlessly master them, making your speech sound like a local.
4. Italian podcasts naturally expand your vocabulary
Each podcast episode is a treasure trove of new expressions and Italian slang. Whether it’s everyday phrases or specialized vocabulary, your linguistic repertoire will flourish, enabling you to better express and articulate yourself.
5. Cultural immersion
While hearing grammar rules into context, podcasts often delve into elements of Italian society, traditions, and daily life. So, along with learning the language, it will feel like taking a mini-vacation to Italy without leaving your home!
6. Learn anytime, anywhere
Whether you’re commuting, folding laundry, or simmering pasta sauce, podcasts allow you to easily squeeze in a bit of passive learning into your daily routine. The best part? You’re totally in control. You can listen to the content at your own pace, slow it down for the challenging parts, and sometimes even download the episodes.
10 Best FREE Italian Podcasts for Learning Italian
From beginner to advanced, here are the best podcasts for learning Italian. Whether you’re just starting out, already have some skills, or just want to immerse yourself in Italian culture, these podcasts cover a variety of topics and provide interesting content to make learning the Italian language and culture enjoyable and practical.
1. Coffee Break Italian
- Level: beginner to intermediate
- Topic: Italian language and culture
- Average length: 10-15 minutes
- Price: free or one-off $145 premium subscription with bonus material and online courses
As part of the popular Coffee Break Languages series, Coffee Break Italian is a great podcast that guarantees a delightful mix of learning and fun. In every episode, Mark, the founder and a former Scottish teacher, holds engaging discussions with either Francesca or Maurizio, who are native speakers playing the role of knowledgeable instructors. This interactive format facilitates an exchange of perspectives, and although the main emphasis is on learning Italian, the conversations seamlessly switch between Italian and English, which is especially helpful for beginners. Beyond language lessons, the podcast also delves into interesting cultural nuances, enhancing the overall learning experience.
2. News in Slow Italian
- Level: beginner to advanced
- Topic: language and news
- Average length: 30 minutes
- Price: 7-day free trial, then $19.90/month for full access (including transcripts and interactive features) or $5.90/month for audio only.
News in Slow Italian allows you to learn Italian while staying updated on the latest news from Italy and around the world. From the legal battle of the New York Times against OpenAI to the controversial topic of pineapple on pizza at Sorbillo’s, the discussions are not only diverse but also captivating, providing an opportunity to pick up idiomatic expressions and expand your vocabulary while enjoying an informative learning experience. The speakers use a clear and steady voice, making each sentence easy to understand. Plus, you can customize the audio speed to suit your preferences for added convenience.
3. Quattro Stagioni
- Level: beginner to intermediate
- Topic: Italian culture and society
- Average length: 5 minutes
- Price: free or CHF25/year to access transcripts and exercises. If you prefer a shorter commitment, there’s also a 6-month subscription option available for CHF15.
Alessandra is an archeologist turned passionate linguist, bringing Italian language and culture to life in her beautiful podcast, “Quattro Stagioni” (Four Seasons). Taking on the alter ego Laura, she shares captivating short stories that explore different aspects of Italian culture, from the intriguing realm of hand gestures to the historical origins of the name “Italia.” New episodes are released every week, and Alessandra’s soothing tone is perfect for picking up new words and expressions. Don’t miss the episode about the notorious peculiarities of the Italian postal service – it’s hilarious!
4. ItalianPod 101
- Level: absolute beginner to advanced
- Topic: Italian language
- Average length: 15 minutes
- Price: 7-day free trial, then choose from premium subscription options starting at just $4 per month, up to $23 per month.
The ItalianPod 101 podcast boasts a huge collection of episodes sorted by difficulty and topic, with new releases every week to ensure a constant stream of fresh content. Each episode kicks off with an English intro, then dives into real-life chats between native Italian speakers, translating each sentence into English. The content doesn’t just stop there – it includes reviews of vocabulary, deep dives into specific grammar elements, and quick talks about the main topic of the episode. And if you sign up, you’ll get extra goodies like vocabulary lists and flashcards.
5. L’Italiano Vero
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: Italian culture and society
- Average length: 20 minutes
- Price: free, with transcripts
The title says it all: L’Italiano Vero is a delightful podcast where hosts Massimo and Paolo take you on a joyous journey through lively chats with guests, all happening in genuine everyday Italian. Perfect for those who already have a good grasp of the language, each episode is a fun exploration of various topics, free from dull grammar lessons and centered around practical language use. This way, you can expand your vocabulary while listening to stories that capture the true essence of Italian life, as well as engaging discussions with professionals, ranging from law to hairdressing. Some episodes touch on travel, but not in the usual way – for instance, one recounts a fascinating water journey from Milan to Venice!
6. Altre Storie
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: Italian culture and society
- Average length: 30 minutes
- Price: free
Hosted by the well-known journalist and former editor-in-chief of La Repubblica newspaper, Mario Calabresi, the Italian podcast Altre Storie (Other Stories) revolves around captivating narrations of important events and insightful interviews that delve into the lives of individuals who have left a lasting mark. One of the recent episodes features a beautiful interview with Paola Cortellesi, whose latest movie, “C’è ancora domani” (There’s still tomorrow), became the most-watched movie in Italy in 2023 and set a record for the highest earnings. Mario’s smooth and resonant voice adds a distinct clarity to each episode, and the inclusion of diverse guests brings a variety of accents and perspectives to the podcast.
7. Voci d’Italia
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: Italian culture and society
- Average length: 10 minutes
- Price: free
Voci d’Italia (Voices of Italy) is an excellent podcast tailored for Italian learners. It delves into various facets of Italian culture by presenting stories and facts through the voices of individuals from different regions of the country. This approach not only helps you improve your language skills but also lets you experience the rich diversity of regional accents and discover intriguing local details. For instance, you can learn about the world of Sanremo from one of its authors or gain insights into the Italian high school graduation (“la maturità”) from the perspective of an Italian teacher.
8. Chiedilo a Barbero
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: history
- Average length: 10 minutes
- Price: free
In this weekly appointment, Professor Alessandro Barbero – the undisputed Italian expert on all things history, responds to his audience’s questions. Think it might be dull? Well, give it a listen, and you’ll not only polish your Italian listening skills but also discover a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Professor Barbero covers various subjects, from the origins of last names to bizarre deaths and medieval tourism, all explained in a language that’s easy to understand. Trust me, his engaging storytelling style will keep you glued to the audio!
9. Borghi d’Italia
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: travel
- Average length: 2 minutes
- Price: free
Borghi d’Italia (Italian Villages) is a great little Italian podcast by Rai Sound that will make you want to hop on a plane to Italy right away. The episodes are short and sweet, focusing on those charming Italian hamlets and villages that haven’t been overrun by hordes of tourists. It’s perfect for anyone with a travel bug, giving you a chance to enhance your listening skills while expanding your travel bucket list with places like the medieval hamlet of Bibbona near Livorno and Ceri, a hidden gem perched on a hill near Rome.
10. Lessonpod – Pillole di cultura
- Level: intermediate to advanced
- Topic: culture
- Average length: 5 minutes
- Price: free
Designed and self-produced by a group of enthusiastic podcasters, Lessonpod features a collection of short, entertaining audio stories that dive into the lives of historical figures. They also uncover fascinating facts that are part of Italian society. For example, have you ever wondered why the color pink is associated with females and blue with males? Or why San Marino stands as a free republic within Italy? Well, this Italian podcast explores these curiosities and more in a lively, engaging manner.
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How to make the most out of listening to podcasts
Now that you know the benefits of listening to podcasts and have discovered the best podcasts in Italian, let’s talk about how to make the most of your podcast-listening experience. Hitting play is a good start, but there’s much more to it than that. Here are my top 5 tips for improving your Italian through podcasts:
1. Choose podcasts for your level (and that interest you!)
There’s a podcast for every interest and skill level. Take a moment to pick those that match your passions and learning goals. Skip the ones that are too advanced for your current level or that don’t interest you – learning Italian should be a positive, enjoyable experience.
2. Listen actively
Speaking of focus, while it’s okay to multitask and have the podcast playing in the background, this won’t do much for your improving Italian. This is what is called passive learning. Treating podcasts as a real learning tool is the key to reaping the benefits. This means actively listening, taking notes and mimicking what you hear. Learn more about passive and active learning here.
3. Use the transcripts
Most podcasts provide full transcripts for each episode. These are gold mines, allowing you to follow along with the audio and catch expressions you might other miss.
4. Take notes
Jot down interesting words and phrases you come across during your active listening sessions. Incorporate them into your own speech as much as possible. This will supercharge and expand your vocabulary and make your Italian sound more natural.
5. Be a parrot
Repeat words and phrases out loud, mimicking the pronunciation and intonation of the native speaker. This works to improve muscle memory of your mouth and tongue so that your pronunciation is clearer and more natural sounding.
3 things you shouldn’t do when listening to Italian podcast
1. Don’t just listen – pay attention
Without sounding like a broken record, active learning and therefore actively listening to the content is the best way to make the most of learning Italian through podcasts. Hoping to pick up the language while the podcast plays in the background doesn’t really work. Sure, you’ll get some exposure to the language, but you’ll be learning at a snail’s pace.
2. Don’t forget to use what you learn
It’s not enough to just listen and expect to magically grasp new words and phrases. To remember what you learn, make sure you use any new words you pick up. Practice incorporating them into conversations, write a few sentences with it, or even repeat them aloud to yourself. The more you use it, the better the chances are you’ll retain what you learn.
2. Don’t binge. Listen often
Consistency is crucial in language learning. Establish a routine for tuning into Italian podcasts, even if it’s just 5 minutes. Listening a little and often is better than binging for hours once a week.
So, can you learn Italian with podcasts?
Assolutamente! Absolutely! Podcasts are an excellent resource for learning Italian because they’re readily available and cover a range of topics – from culture and history to everyday Italian life, there’s something for every learner.
You’d be surprised how much Italian you can pick up by just spending a few minutes a day listening to an Italian podcast alongside following a structured Italian language course such as Intrepid Italian.
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Learning Italian? Check out these Italian language guides
- Italian for Beginners | How to Learn Italian in 3 Simple Steps
- TOP 100 Most Common Italian Words (Plus PDF Cheat-Sheet & Quiz)
- Italian Prepositions:The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need (PLUS Chart)
- 17 Weird Italian Superstitions Italians ACTUALLY Live By
- 17 Must-Know Italian Hand Gestures: The Ultimate Guide
- 10 Ways Natives REALLY Say ‘You’re Welcome’ in Italian
- How to say ‘Please’ in Italian in 9 Ways Like a Native
- 41 Italian Greetings: How to Say ‘Hello’ in Italian Like a Local
- 125 Most Common Italian Phrases for Travel You’ll Ever Need [PLUS Printable]
- 8 DEADLY mistakes in Italian (& How to Avoid Them)
- How to Conjugate Italian Verbs in 3 Simple Steps [Italian for Beginners]
- Is Italian Hard to Learn? 7 Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Master Days of the Week in Italian (7 Simple Memory Hacks)
- Italian Numbers: How to Count in Italian From 0 to 1 Billion (Plus PDF Download)
- How to Order Food & Drinks in Italian [Italian for Beginners]
- 15 Italian Words You Should NEVER Mispronounce [& How Not To]
- 11 Effective Hacks That’ll Help You Learn Italian So Much Faster
- Top 14 Italian Words You Should NEVER Say [& What to Use Instead]
- 20 Hilarious Everyday Italian Expressions You Should Use
- Romanesco: 25 Cool Roman Dialect Words You Should Use in Rome
- 10 Reasons Why Learning Italian Will Change Your Life
- 10 Italian Expressions Italians Love Saying
- 10 Italian Phrases That Will Instantly Make You Sound more Italian
- Funny Italian Sayings: 26 Food-Related Insults You Won’t Forget
- 15 Romantic Italian Films That’ll Make You Love Italy Even More
- How to Master Common Italian Phrases for Travel (Like a Local!)
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