When you were younger, did you have a special bond with your grandparents? Many of us develop particularly close attachments with older family members, but did you know that this ability for the oldest and youngest of our society to get along in a friendly way is not limited to families? In fact, there are some projects which pair together nurseries and retirement homes, to help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve everybody's general health and happiness. Georgie and Phil 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-261112 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at [email protected]

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When was the last time you had a vaccination, and what was it for? Many of us get vaccinations when we are children or when we go travelling, but did you know that scientists have been developing vaccines that can be personalised to help your body keep itself clear of some specific cancer types? Georgie and Phil 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-261105 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at [email protected]

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Do you ever feel it is too hot to sleep? With climate change gradually increasing world temperatures, people across the world are becoming increasingly affected by hot weather. In many locations, air conditioning is used to help cool down homes and workplaces, but not everyone has access to this. And it isn't just about getting a good night's sleep – extremely hot weather can be a serious health risk. 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-261029 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at [email protected]

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Have you ever had the feeling of lying awake at night, unable to get to sleep? Many of us know what it is like to struggle with sleep, especially if we have drunk too much tea or coffee before bed! But did you know that your sleep quality can be affected by other parts of your diet too? Georgie and Phil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.

Get a free transcript and quiz at bbclearningenglish.com (currently experiencing technical issues).

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Many of us own jewellery or other items that are gold coloured, but do you own anything that is made from real gold? Gold is a precious metal, which means that there is a limited supply in the world. This not only makes it expensive, but also means that it holds a relatively stable value. So, why are investors interested in it, and should the rest of us start buying more of it? Georgie and Phil 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-261015 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at [email protected]

In recent generations many people have chosen to stop drinking alcohol. Surveys from the UK suggest that 16 to 24-year-olds are more likely to be non-drinkers than the older generations. Many people are sharing their experience of drinking less alcohol or being completely sober on social media. Some people have been saying that they want to go out more to drink and have fun with friends, but they have concerns about fitness and wellness. 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-261008 Let us know what you think of the new version of 6 Minute English at [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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

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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