Learn Italian with these 10 free podcasts

Learning a new language has never been more multifaceted. If you’re looking to improve your Italian, podcasts are the perfect on-the-go addition to your learning routine. They’re flexible, fun, and fit effortlessly into a busy lifestyle.

Why are podcasts great for learning Italian? 

Podcasts are an excellent way to reinforce your Italian studies throughout the day. Whether you’re commuting, walking your dog, or cooking your favorite meal, you can turn everyday moments into language-learning opportunities.

Listening to Italian in real conversations helps strengthen your comprehension skills and builds on your language studies. Little by little, you absorb new vocabulary, expressions, and the natural rhythm of the language, making it easier to speak Italian confidently. It’s a simple, engaging way to stay immersed in Italian culture and communication between lessons or study sessions.

Check out our list of 10 free Italian podcasts to boost your language skills at any level. You’ll learn while discovering fascinating insights into Italy’s history, traditions, and culture.

Podcasts for beginners

Learn Italian with Lucrezia

Practice your Italian while getting to know the local culture. Learn Italian with Lucrezia offers the perfect mix of language tips, grammar input, and cultural insights in her podcast — from how to order coffee the Italian way to everyday customs and traditions. The clear, steady pace and short episodes make the podcast very beginner-friendly.

Storie semplici in italiano (“Simple stories in Italian”)

Follow the adventures of Arturo and his cat Macchia to practice your Italian through simple, everyday stories with the Storie semplici in italiano podcast. Told in clear, slow-paced Italian, each playful episode comes with a transcript and exercises (and maybe some unexpected meows along the way).

5-minute Italian

The 5-minute Italian podcast features short episodes covering a variety of contemporary topics, like culture and politics, to climate and linguistics. While the themes and language are usually simple, the pace can be fast at times, making this a great choice for beginners who enjoy a bit of a challenge.

Podcasts for intermediate learners

Italy Made Easy

Get a taste of Italian culture and traditions with short, fun episodes on topics like aperitivo, restaurant etiquette, and revolutionary inventions. Each Italy Made Easy episode lasts about 15-20 minutes and uses clear, simple language that’s easy to follow. You’ll also get transcripts and exercises with every episode to help you boost your progress.

Dentro il mistero (“Inside the mystery”)

Dentro il mistero will have you hooked from the very first minute. Each episode dives into strange stories and unsolved mysteries from Italy’s past, attempting to search for clues. The narrator speaks at a steady, medium pace with clear pronunciation, making it ideal if you want to tackle more advanced topics without getting lost.

La scienza, che storia! (“Science, what a story!”)

With La scienza, che storia, you’re not just learning Italian — you’re also diving into fascinating stories from science and history. Discover the brilliant minds who changed the world with their groundbreaking ideas. The narrator speaks fairly quickly, but the episodes are short and easy to digest, perfect for squeezing in during a coffee break.

Podcasts for advanced learners

Muschio Selvaggio (“Wild Moss”)

Muschio Selvaggio is one of Italy’s most popular podcasts, featuring various well-known hosts and guests  — from pop culture icons and politics to scientists and artists. It’s a lively mix of serious discussions, humor, and unpredictability, making it a great choice if you want to experience authentic Italian banter.

Storie di donne nella storia (“Stories of women in history”)

Dive into history and feminism with Storie di donne nella storia, an inspiring podcast that celebrates the women who paved the way for the freedoms many enjoy today. Each episode tells the story of a woman who refused to stay silent in a world that expected her to be — and in doing so, helped shape the society we live in now.

Il podcast di Alessandro Barbero (“The podcast of Alessandro Barbero”)

Ideal for history lovers, this podcast features recordings of captivating lectures from Alessandro Barbero. With his engaging storytelling and sharp sense of humor, Barbero makes complex topics fascinating — from the fall of the Roman Empire and the daily life of medieval knights to key moments in World War II.

Scientificast

If you love science and want to practice Italian at the same time, Scientificast is a great pick. Each episode explores a variety of fascinating science-related topics, like physics, chemistry, etc., discussing the latest discoveries in a fun and accessible way — perfect for curious minds.

Give these podcasts a listen to turn your daily routines into learning moments, and watch your Italian skills take off.