The 7 Best Spanish Podcasts for Intermediate Learners

You've made it past the basics of Spanish. You know your ser from your estar (most of the time), you can order a café con lechecoffee with milk, and you can string together sentences. But now, you might feel... stuck.

Welcome to the intermediate plateau. It's that tricky phase where you're no longer a beginner, but fluency still feels far away. Conversations in real life move too fast, and native speakers use slang you've never heard before.

So, how do you break through? One of the most effective and enjoyable ways is by plugging in your headphones and listening to podcasts.

Podcasts are a game-changer for intermediate learners. They bridge the gap between textbook Spanish and the real, living language. They help you:

• Tune your ear to different accents, speeds, and the natural rhythm of conversation.
• Learn vocabulary in context, making it easier to remember and use.
• Immerse yourself in culture by listening to stories, news, and discussions from across the Spanish-speaking world.
• Turn downtime into study time by listening while you commute, cook, or work out.

Ready to level up your listening? Here are our top 7 picks for the best Spanish podcasts for intermediate learners. If you want more structured practice, check out our collection of Spanish stories.

1. Notes in Spanish Intermediate

Best for: Learning practical, conversational Spanish in a relatable way.

This is a classic for a reason. Hosted by Ben (an Englishman) and Marina (a Spaniard from Madrid), this podcast features natural conversations about everyday topics. Because Ben is also a language learner, he often asks the exact questions you're thinking. They speak clearly, but it doesn't sound like a scripted lesson. It feels like you're eavesdropping on two friends chatting in a café.

2. Coffee Break Spanish

Best for: Structured learning with clear explanations.

If you like a bit more of a "lesson" feel, Seasons 3 and 4 of Coffee Break Spanish are perfect for the intermediate stage. Host Mark is joined by native speakers to discuss grammar points and cultural topics. The episodes are well-structured, gradually introducing more complex language. They expertly mix Spanish conversation with English explanations, so you never feel completely lost.

3. Hoy Hablamos

Best for: Building a daily listening habit.

Hoy Hablamos is a powerhouse of content. They release short, daily episodes (around 10-15 minutes) on a massive range of subjects, from Spanish festivals and grammar tips to current events and technology. The host, Roi, speaks a very clear Castilian Spanish. The sheer volume and variety of topics mean you'll constantly be exposed to new and useful vocabulary.

4. Radio Ambulante

Best for: Upper-intermediate learners who love compelling storytelling.

Think of Radio Ambulante as the Spanish-language equivalent of This American Life. Distributed by NPR, this podcast features high-quality, long-form audio journalism from all over Latin America. The stories are fascinating, human, and beautifully produced.

5. Duolingo Spanish Podcast

Best for: Bridging the gap from beginner to confident intermediate.

Even if you've moved past the Duolingo app, their podcast is a fantastic resource. Each episode tells a fascinating true story from the Spanish-speaking world. The format is brilliant for intermediate learners: the majority of the story is told in easy-to-understand Spanish, with an English-speaking narrator who chimes in to provide context and explain what's happening. This means you can follow the plot without getting discouraged.

6. Español con Juan

Best for: Comprehensible input in a fun and engaging format.

Juan is a Spanish teacher with a philosophy of "comprehensible input." He believes the key to learning is understanding the message, not just memorizing grammar rules. He speaks very clearly, repeats key phrases, and uses simple language to talk about interesting topics, often with a great sense of humor. It feels less like a lesson and more like a fun chat with a patient teacher who really wants you to understand.

7. No Hay Tos

Best for: Getting comfortable with real, informal Mexican Spanish.

Ready to hear how friends really talk? No Hay Tos ("No Big Deal") is hosted by two friends from Mexico. They have unscripted, natural conversations full of the slang and idioms you'd hear on the streets of Mexico City. It's fast, authentic, and a fantastic way to train your ear for real-world conversations. They often explain regional expressions, which is incredibly helpful.

How to Get the Most Out of Podcasts

Listening is great, but active listening is even better. Try these techniques to accelerate your learning:

1. Listen Once: The first time, just listen. Don't stress about understanding every word. Try to get the general gist of the conversation.
2. Listen with the Transcript: Most of the podcasts on this list offer transcripts. On your second listen, read along. Pause to look up new words. This is where you connect the sounds you heard to the words on the page.
3. Shadowing: This is a powerful technique. Play a sentence, pause the podcast, and try to repeat it exactly as you heard it, mimicking the intonation and rhythm. It feels silly at first, but it's amazing for your pronunciation.
4. Summarize: After an episode, try to explain the main points out loud in Spanish. It can be just a few sentences. This forces you to activate the vocabulary you just learned.

Finding the right podcast can transform your language learning journey from a chore into a hobby. So pick one from this list, pop in your earbuds, and start exploring the rich, diverse, and beautiful world of Spanish audio. ¡Feliz escucha!