{"id":69051,"date":"2016-06-15T23:04:52","date_gmt":"2016-06-16T03:04:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/italian-podcast\/"},"modified":"2025-01-19T01:11:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T06:11:04","slug":"italian-podcast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/italian\/italian-podcast\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Italian Podcasts for Learners in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can easily make learning Italian<\/a> a daily habit, without spending a dime<\/a> or adding any detours to your routine.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy washing the dishes to NPR’s “Science Friday,” you might swap that podcast out for a science lesson in Italian. You could also explore the worlds of cooking, history, technology and even American politics in Italian-language podcasts.<\/p>\n

I’ve got 20 great Italian podcasts<\/strong> to share with you here, as well as strategies for integrating them into your overall learning plan.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc skip=3]<\/p>\n

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Best Beginner Italian Podcasts<\/h2>\n

1. Italy Made Easy<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"Italiano<\/a><\/p>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> |\u00a0Google<\/a><\/p>\n

This podcast is created for learners<\/strong> of the Italian language. Episodes are presented by the enthusiastic host, Manu, completely in Italian. Manu speaks the standard dialect in a slow, understandable way.<\/p>\n

Each episode is approximately 10 to 20 minutes long and focused on light topics such as travel, school and everyday life.<\/strong> The podcasts come with Italian transcripts in Italian, translations of selected words and comprehension exercises, though these materials are for paying members only.<\/p>\n

Italy Made Easy also has a YouTube channel<\/a> aimed at teaching the Italian language through more traditional lesson-style videos. Some videos are in dual English and Italian, making them more accessible to very new Italian learners. Manu also hosts livestream lessons pretty regularly where he teaches and interacts with participants.<\/p>\n

2. Coffee Break Italian<\/a>\"italian<\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a>\u00a0| Google<\/a><\/p>\n

This podcast is presented by the trio of Mark, Francesca and Katie. Mark, the lead teacher, is an English speaker who\u2019s also fluent in Italian. As someone who was once in your shoes, he can really offer an honest peek into the process of learning the language.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Francesca, a native Italian speaker, is also a language educator. She brings cultural info and an insider\u2019s perspective to the discussions. Katie is the “fresh off the boat” learner who probes the others with queries that make each episode robust with relevant content.<\/p>\n

Episodes run about 20 minutes. Because the hosts have amazing chemistry, the podcast feels like a couple of friends sitting in a coffee shop, having a casual chat. Conversations are smooth, and you’ll easily learn Italian greetings, numbers, basic travel phrases and more.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Coffee Break Italian was named one of the “smartest podcasts” of 2017 by the British Podcast Awards, so you\u2019re in good hands with this one.<\/p>\n

3. News in Slow Italian<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> | Google<\/a><\/p>\n

If you want to learn to speak Italian like a native, grab some idioms or regional phrases and hear what\u2019s really going on in The Boot, this is the podcast for you.<\/p>\n

The episodes are discussions of global news headlines<\/strong> covering politics, science, art, culture and much more. Learning about global issues from the Italian perspective brings Italy home to learners in an immersive way.<\/p>\n

News in Slow Italian gives learners so much more than listening practice.\u00a0Podcasts have Italian transcripts with interactive translation<\/strong> of both common and more difficult vocabulary. Just hover the cursor over a word highlighted in red, and the English translation appears\u2014perfect for Italian learners.<\/p>\n

4. L’italiano vero<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Spotify<\/a><\/p>\n

This is a nice, chatty podcast, the kind of conversational show<\/strong> where hosts and guests act like old, dear friends\u2014in true Italian style! In fact, that’s what the name of the podcast means: “The true Italian!”<\/p>\n

The show covers a ton of topics that range from shopping, to world events, to traveling.<\/strong> You name it, they probably have an episode about it. Further, the cultural references enrich the content and provide extra enjoyment to the listening experience.<\/p>\n

Beyond feeling like you’re listening to a friend, the podcast has variable lengths of stories. Some are long but others are quite brief, so whether you\u2019ve got a full hour or only twenty minutes to spare, there’s something that’ll fit your schedule.<\/p>\n

5. Quattro Stagioni<\/em><\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> | Google<\/a><\/p>\n

Quattro Stagioni<\/em> (Four Seasons) really does feel like the change of seasons, with something for everyone to enjoy.<\/strong> Sometimes podcasts can be intimidating for beginning learners, with complex vocabulary or rapid speakers\u2014not so with this show!<\/p>\n

These podcast episodes are short, under 10 minutes each, covering mini stories about cultural, everyday topics<\/strong> in a smooth, easy-to-follow format. And they’re ideal for beginners.<\/p>\n

Vocabulary is conversational but pretty basic. The topics are charming and there’s no rapid-fire speaking. Hear about how to choose a wardrobe, the beauty of Venice, holiday celebrations in Italy and much, much more.<\/p>\n

Best Intermediate Italian Podcasts<\/h2>\n

6. Learn Italian in Your Car<\/a>\"italian<\/h3>\n

Spotify<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learn Italian in Your Car explicitly states that it\u2019ll teach you the language without the use of textbooks or printed materials. It also gets directly to the point by giving you only the English words and their Italian translations,<\/strong> right off the bat.<\/p>\n

This no-nonsense approach is a simple way to quickly build your Italian vocabulary.<\/strong> Lessons are arranged thematically, so you\u2019ll have episodes related to directions, numbers, hotels, restaurants, questions and more.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t be misled by the title: You can absolutely listen to this anywhere at any time! Learn before going to bed or while waiting for the elevator to open. It\u2019s best to find a private spot where you can talk to yourself, though, as this is a speak-along-and-speak-aloud kind of learning experience.<\/p>\n

7. Italiano automatic<\/em><\/a>\"Italiano<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Italiano automatico<\/em> (automatic Italian) is a podcast aimed at beginner and intermediate learners<\/strong> of the language. The catch? Well, it’s completely in Italian!<\/p>\n

That may seem daunting to beginners, but the theory is simple: Italian immersion is the best way to learn the language. So the host, Alberto, speaks only Italian and does so in a slow, clear manner so listeners can hear each word and parse the sentences correctly.<\/p>\n

This is extremely beneficial for tuning your ear to the Italian language even if you don’t understand every word being spoken. Better yet, each episode comes with a downloadable PDF file<\/strong> complete with an Italian transcription and select translations.<\/p>\n

Best of all,\u00a0Italiano automatico<\/em> also has a YouTube channel<\/a> where you can watch authentic videos in slow Italian. You can also find a number of Italian learning courses available on their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. ItalianPod101<\/a>\"italian<\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The heart and soul of each ItalianPod101 episode is a short, pre-recorded dialogue, which then becomes the springboard for the whole episode. You might hear an exchange between two people talking about their jobs or their families, or other practical, everyday situations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hosts guide you through each lesson,<\/strong> repeating lines so you can follow along, pointing out key words or phrases, explaining helpful grammar points and sharing their personal and cultural take.<\/p>\n

ItalianPod101 turns all the audio into written text as well. You can download a copy of the dialogue, a transcript of each episode and even printable grammar lessons that explain the nuances in the dialogues. See our full review of ItalianPod101 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Vaporetto Italiano<\/em><\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a><\/p>\n

Episodes of Vaporetto Italiano <\/em>are designed for language learning with immersive content.<\/strong> They aim to help learners gain fluency and power up their language skills. Plus, they’re engaging and enjoyable to listen to, and hardly feel like studying at all!<\/p>\n

There are a number of cultural topics<\/strong> to choose from, like celebrating holidays in Italy or engaging in social activities. They cover a multitude of grammar as well, so if you\u2019re looking to get a bit of extra grammar into your Italian language learning, this is a good option.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there are some story podcasts in Italian. They’re brief and fit right into a hectic schedule, as well as being both entertaining and interesting!<\/p>\n

10. Scientificast<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Google<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> |\u00a0Apple<\/a><\/p>\n

This long-running podcast takes on hot topics in politics that touch the science world,<\/strong> as well as fascinating subjects that don’t make the headlines.<\/p>\n

Scientificast covers anything from neutron telescopes to homosexuality in animals. Though it can get a bit in the weeds sometimes (do I really need to know the exact energy produced by various forms of wave power generators?), the science is generally at a level appropriate for the non-scientist.<\/p>\n

Personally, I find the background music a bit annoying, but I’m willing to stick with this podcast anyway because there’s a lot of great information on intriguing subjects. The hosts speak pretty slowly, too, so it’s not difficult for Italian learners to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

11. Digitalia<\/a>\"italian<\/h3>\n

Google<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

If Elon Musk is your cup of tea and you\u2019re into the latest gadgets and tech news,<\/strong> then you\u2019ll find kindred spirits in this podcast. Digitalia is for (you guessed it!) anything digital.<\/p>\n

But don\u2019t feel left out if you\u2019re not a serious techie. Hosts Franco Solerio, Max De Santo, Michele Di Maio and Giulio Cupini are usually able to bring the discussions back to earth and make the news relatable and relevant.<\/p>\n

Digitalia is an entertaining and informative Italian podcast\u2014that\u2019s why native speakers can\u2019t get enough of their weekly episodes. Learners with intermediate or advanced Italian levels<\/strong> will have their comprehension both tested and honed here, with the chance to learn many tech-related Italian words.<\/p>\n

12. 2024<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/h3>\n

Google<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Produced by Radio 24, this weekly podcast on technology has an emphasis on what’s going on now in the Italian and international tech worlds, and what’s expected in the near future.<\/p>\n

The roundup of tech news<\/strong> offers some depth on trends in the sector, new products and gossip about who’s being sued by whom or which startups have just been bought out.<\/p>\n

Major recurring themes are consumer technologies and video games,<\/strong> but many other areas are covered: computer translations, wireless payments, financial software, chip development, etc.<\/p>\n

Predictably, the Italian is fast and enthusiastic, so you may want to use your podcast player to slow it down to a more manageable speed.<\/p>\n

Best Advanced Italian Podcasts<\/h2>\n

13. Veleno<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> | Google<\/a><\/p>\n

High on the list of must-listen-to podcasts is Veleno\u2014a real-life crime story set in Italy.<\/strong> No scripts or actors are used. This is pure first-person-account interviews of what happened, and the fallout after.<\/p>\n

Twenty years ago, more than a dozen children were taken from their families amidst a scandal that included satanic worship and criminal acts. The children never saw their parents again.<\/p>\n

This podcast is seven episodes long and tells the true story in chilling detail. There are both Italian and English transcripts<\/strong> of each episode so learners can read along.<\/p>\n

14. I Provinciali<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Apple<\/a> | Google<\/a><\/p>\n

This podcast (“The Provincials,” in English) was produced in Rome but its subject was the Italian provinces;<\/strong> if you’d love to travel throughout small-town Italy, this is the show for you.<\/p>\n

I Provinciali<\/em> revels in local oddities and traditions, and Italian regions have these in spades. Subjects include dialects, food, news, festivals, parties and tourist sites both on and off the beaten path. Guests and listeners from across Italy chime in with their suggestions and information.<\/p>\n

The hosts’ goal was to provide an audio portrait of Italy as a whole<\/strong> that goes beyond the typical “Rome-Milan axis.” While the show ended its run in May 2018, there’s still plenty of information to gain from listening.<\/p>\n

15. Italiane con la valigia<\/em><\/a>\"italian-podcasts-italiane-con-la-valigia\"<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Google<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no shortage of Italians trying to make it in other countries, and Italiane con la valigia<\/em> (“Italians with a Suitcase”) gives them a chance to share their experiences.\u00a0In this podcast, you’ll hear stories of Italian expats around the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debora, Laura and Maddalena are three friends aiming to bring inspiration and motivation to others. They conduct their expat interviews online with Italians in all corners of the globe, but the conversations are so honest and intimate that they feel like they\u2019re happening face-to-face, on your own couch.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a wide variety of content, depending on who\u2019s being interviewed. You\u2019ve got Italian students, artists, businessmen and couples<\/strong> making an impact in other parts of the world. So if you love travel content and want to indulge your love for Italian at the same time, this podcast will hit the spot.<\/p>\n

16. Caterpillar<\/a>\"italian-podcasts-caterpillar\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Google<\/a><\/p>\n

From Italy’s Radio 2, Caterpillar is a great answer for anyone looking to replace their drive-time “morning zoo” radio programming with something similar that’ll improve their Italian.<\/p>\n

This show is actually an afternoon radio chat program,<\/strong> so it’s not quite as brash and obnoxious as morning zoo. The hosts Massimo Cirri and Sara Zambotti discuss news and social trends in bite-sized chunks and without too much depth.<\/p>\n

The hosts endeavor to provide insight and humor, and they chat with callers from around Italy, so you’ll get exposure to a variety of Italian accents. You might not get a lot of new information, but you will get an overview of what’s going on in the world and what Italian people think about it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

17. Alle Otto della Sera<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

This sober, intellectual radio program<\/strong> is from RAI Radio 2, Italy’s public broadcaster. The program name translates as “At Eight in the Evening,” and the show has been running for more than a decade.<\/p>\n

In podcast form, the radio program is broken down into different podcasts by subject. It covers topics in the arts, sciences and, in particular, history.<\/strong> You can search your podcast app for Alle Otto della Sera<\/em>\u00a0to see the range of options.<\/p>\n

I’d recommend the section “La Storia in Cucina”<\/em> (Cooking History) since many of us who study Italian are probably following our stomachs. It starts with the basic scientific reasons for cooking, continues to Italian cooking history and leads up to an episode on globalization and the movement to return to local foods.<\/p>\n

18. Il Ruggito del Coniglio<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Now here’s an actual morning drive-time radio show.<\/strong> Again from Italy’s Radio 2, this podcast, which translates as “The Roar of the Rabbit,” is produced daily and can be downloaded in podcast form.<\/p>\n

Antonello Dose, Marco Presta and others provide their humorous take on the day’s news and trending topics.<\/strong> They often veer off into their own opinions and stories that are only tangentially related to the topic at hand.<\/p>\n

Some segments, particularly the satirical songs, require a knowledge of Italian pop culture, which you may enjoy reviewing with an Italian language exchange partner. You might find it frustrating when guests talk over each other, but Italians do tend to shout over each other, so this podcast is great authentic listening practice!<\/p>\n

19. Fisicast<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/h3>\n

Google<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

This podcast takes on physics in a broad sense.<\/strong> You may have to use the back button, or pause and look up words due to the scientific nature of the show, but overall, it’s a very approachable level for total non-scientists.<\/p>\n

Topics are often relevant to regular humans, including microwave ovens, light and X-rays. But even with more esoteric subjects like Brownian motion, elementary particles or the Big Bang, the hosts keep things relatable to daily experiences as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Unlike many of the other podcasts presented in this post, Fisicast is more tightly scripted.<\/strong> The advantage is that listeners get carefully researched information presented in an organized fashion. The downside is the lack of repetition, which happens naturally in conversations and helps Italian learners catch things they may have missed the first time it came up.<\/p>\n

No new episodes are being produced, but with more than four years of content, you’re sure to find plenty to learn here.<\/p>\n

20. America 24<\/a>\"italian<\/a><\/h3>\n

A couple of years ago, I decided that my only source of American news would be America 24 with Mario Platero. I didn’t entirely stick to this, but when I did, this podcast gave me a decent summary of what was going on in America.<\/strong><\/p>\n

America 24, which ran until 2017, offered a daily five-to-10-minute look at the major themes of American news. It gave a quick run-down of the news of the day but spent most of its time focusing on one particular issue. Thus, for a short format, it still offered good insight and depth.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It may seem counter-intuitive, but for Italian learners who like politics, I really recommend using a podcast like this rather than an Italian podcast about Italian<\/em> politics, if possible. You’re more likely to understand the parties, “characters” and background involved in your country’s political scene, which will make it easier to follow along in Italian.<\/p>\n

Advantages of Learning with Italian Podcasts<\/h2>\n

Listening is an important part of learning Italian, and practicing with native Italian speech (even in learner’s podcasts) can help you to acquire this skill faster.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the advantages of using Italian podcasts as part of your overall language learning plan:<\/p>\n