6 Minute English

Anyone who has had their heart broken will know how horrible it feels. But did you know that the pain you feel is not just imaginary – it registers in the same part of the brain that processes physical pain. So, why do we feel this pain? And if it feels so bad, what is the point of being in love in the first place? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-261001 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

Feeling itchy is unpleasant, and the feeling of finally scratching that itch can be very satisfying! But why do we feel itchy in the first place? And is it possible to catch an itch from someone else? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260924
Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

How would you feel about going up to a stranger on the street and asking them for a cheeky favour? If the idea makes you nervous, then don't worry – you are not alone! But recently, some people have been filming themselves doing this, as part of a social media trend called 'rejection therapy'. It's not an officially recognised form of therapy, but some have found that it improves their confidence. Georgie and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
6 Minute English now has a VIDEO VERSION! 6 Minute English now comes with a video! It's the same programme that you know and love, but now you can see us! Watch this podcast here (and find a free worksheet): https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260917
Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

Have you ever used Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or perhaps another language-learning app? How did you get on? Some people love the convenience of these apps – you can learn on the go, like during your commute to work, rather than committing to a certain time each week, like learning in a class. But are they teaching the languages effectively? Neil and Pippa discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260910
Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Every year we see damage, death and destruction caused by hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons - tropical storms. Is climate change making this impact worse? Climate change may be making this destruction worse. Phil is joined by BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Sarah Keith-Lucas to learn more about this and teach you some new vocabulary.
Get a free worksheet, quiz and transcript for this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260903
Practise your listening with The Listening Room here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room
Subscribe to our newsletters here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599