Artistic swimming

Artistic swimming

Author: BBC Radio February 12, 2026 Duration: 6:46

How long can you hold your breath underwater? And what about if you were doing a gymnastic and dance routine as well...? Artistic swimming, which used to be known as synchronised swimming, requires dedication, hard work and passion. Phil and Becca discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.

Find a transcript and worksheet for this episode here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260212

Want to improve your speaking confidence? Learn from experts about how to fight your fears of speaking in our new series 'Beating Speaking Anxiety': ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxiety

And don't forget to sign up to our free newsletter, where we share our tips and weekly highlights every Wednesday: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

Other podcasts you might enjoy: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories


Ever feel like you want to improve your English but can't find the time? 6 Minute English from BBC Radio is designed for exactly that. Each episode is a compact, six-minute conversation built around a curious topic, from the science of happiness to the history of coffee. Within that short format, you'll hear authentic clips from across the BBC, giving you a real taste of how English is spoken in various contexts. The presenters naturally introduce and explain useful vocabulary and phrases that come up during their discussion, helping you build practical language skills. This podcast turns a brief moment in your day-a commute, a coffee break-into a genuine learning opportunity. It’s more than just a lesson; it’s a regular dose of engaging content that sharpens your listening comprehension and expands your vocabulary without feeling like a textbook. You get to hear different accents and speaking styles, all while exploring fascinating subjects. Whether you're looking to feel more confident in conversation or simply enjoy the rhythm of the language, this series makes consistent practice both achievable and genuinely interesting. Tune in for a quick, effective, and enjoyable way to connect with the English language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 318

6 Minute English
Podcast Episodes
The joys of writing lists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:43
Shopping lists, to-do lists, check lists – when was the last time you made, or followed, a list? When you stop to think about it, many of the things we read and write in our everyday lives are some sort of list, but why…
What's it like to be a twin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
Do you know any twins? Or perhaps you are a twin yourself! Many people are fascinated by the lives of twins, but what questions should you avoid asking when you meet a twin? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some…
What's your favourite snack? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:41
Do you prefer healthy, homemade snacks... or modern, packaged goodies?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_20…
Grown-ups buying kids’ toys [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:38
What was your favourite toy as a child? And would you consider playing with it as an adult...? It's not just kids who like to play with toys – many adults like to buy kids' toys for themselves! Phil and Beth discuss this…
Are you flourishing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:28
Many of us are familiar with wellbeing, but have you heard about flourishing?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-eng…
What is the manosphere? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:45
Have you ever come across a so-called masculinity influencer on social media?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-eng…
What is degrowth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:58
Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Today, Phil is joined by Hannah from BBC podcast What in the world who explains the idea of degrowth.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episod…
How can we help wild bees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:54
Did you know that many species of wild bees are endangered in the UK? What can we do to help?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/featu…
Do you need to declutter your home? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
Is your home neat and tidy? Or is it full of stuff you no longer need? You might need to declutter!Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english…
How do you say sorry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
When was the last time you had to apologise to somebody? Do you remember how you did it? Neil and Beth discuss apologies from around the world. Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:…