Best Digital Racket Podcasts (2025)

1
IELTS Reading: Music and the emotions 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

In this lesson, you'll learn how to use the words you DON'T KNOW to get the right answers! It's a difficult Academic Reading Part 3, which contains several scientific terms that might cause confusion. But I will show you how IELTS uses these words for gapfills, and you'll learn the 6 'triggers' that indicate the answer. Get the full video lesson in…

1
Episode 6 - Peter Rafelson (Songwriter For Madonna) 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

Peter Rafelson's music career spans four decades of being a songwriter, producer, studio owner and more. Penning Madonna's "Open Your Heart" served as the entrypoint to mainstream success, and he's since gone on to host recording sessions for the likes of Taylor Swift and Beyonce. I had a chat with Peter about his career, how his biggest hit was ma…

1
IELTS Reading: Maternity Allowance (Money Vocabulary Topic) 23:31

3M ago23:31

23:31

This month, we've been exploring the huge topic of MONEY in the Members Academy. It comes up in ALL parts of the test, so in this lesson, we examine two very similar General Training Texts in order to learn more about the topic of government benefit systems and the allowances that you might be entitled to. Each country's benefit system is different…

1
IELTS Reading: Forced Rhubarb 23:57

4M ago23:57

23:57

This is a lovely reading about forced rhubarb: its history and how it is grown and harvested. There are 3 question sets: Matching Headings Multiple Choice Gapfill In this lesson you'll learn more about the general topic of FOOD and how this topic is tested in all parts of the IELTS test. Get the full lesson in the Bronze Academy on my website. http…

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IELTS Pie Charts - how to avoid making this common mistake 12:52

5M ago12:52

12:52

Always check the title of a pie chart to make sure you're providing an accurate summary of the data.Pie charts show percentage and proportion, not numbers. Here's an example of a mistake that is very easy to make when you're under pressure.So practise plenty of pie charts before the test and get ready to use the language related to pie charts - lis…

1
Episode 5 - Damizza (Helped Break Eminem and Jay Z on The Radio) 28:40

5M ago28:40

28:40

Though hiphop went mainstream in the 90s, it wasn't until the early 2000s that gangsta rap dominated all other sub-genres and effectively monopolized the landscape. This was in no small part due to support from radio stations like Power 106 in LA and Hot97 in New York. Damion "Damizza" Young had influence over both and was the Senior Director of Pr…

1
How to learn prepositions from IELTS Reading (The impact of climate change on butterflies) 30:00

5M ago30:00

30:00

In this lesson, we'll analyse a Part 1 Reading text with the purpose of improving our understanding and use of prepositions. First, we go through the True, False and Not Given questions, followed by the Gapfill questions and then we go back to the first paragraph to analyse the prepositions. This is something that I recommend you do regularly - spe…

1
IELTS Grammar snack: A shocking 97% 9:43

6M ago9:43

9:43

Did you know that uou can use "a/an + adjective" before a statistic to express your reaction to the number? This technique adds emphasis and helps the listener or reader understand your perspective on the data. Examples: A staggering 95% of teenagers spend over 4 hours daily on social media. An alarming 62% of young adults report experiencing signi…

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Episode 4 - Evan Bogart (Helped Sign Eminem) 35:38

6M ago35:38

35:38

As the son of a famed music executive who signed KISS and Donna Summer in the 70s, Evan Bogart was set on his own music path in his teens. He got an internship at Interscope and helped bring Eminem to the label after seeing him at the Rap Olympics in 1997. Until now, it's unclear why credit for Em's signing went to Evan's former colleague Dean Geis…

1
IELTS Listening: A Science Experiment 26:21

7M ago26:21

26:21

In this lesson you'll learn 5 IELTS Listening Tips that (I'm guessing) nobody told you about. Get the full lesson with bonus materials in the Bronze Academy on my website. https://ieltsetc.com/2024/10/5-ielts-listening-tips-nobody-told-you-about/

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Can I use personal pronouns in IELTS Writing? 18:37

7M ago18:37

18:37

Get the free lesson on my blog: How to use personal pronouns in IELTS Writing. In this lesson, we look at ways of USING and AVOIDING personal pronouns in Writing Task 2 essays. You'll learn when to use "I", "we" and "you", and you'll get examples of how to avoid personal pronouns by using plurals, the passive voice, and more general language. https…

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IELTS Grammar: Quantifiers few, a few, little, a little 18:51

7M ago18:51

18:51

If you really want to make a difference to your test score, stop practising grammar with useless examples that you'll never use in the IELTS test! In this grammar review we look at how to use few, a few, little and a little SPECIFICALLY FOR the IELTS test. You'll learn useful expressions that you can use in the Writing and Speaking Tests, and you'l…

1
IELTS Reading: How animals keep fit 28:55

8M ago28:55

28:55

In this lesson, you'll practise 3 reading question types while learning essential IELTS animal-related vocabulary items such as 'hibernation' and 'migration'. I also discuss differences between two summaries, which will help you use more formal language in the writing test e.g. to maintain fitness vs to stay fit. For example: (Advanced Summary) The…

1
IELTS GT letter of request to a singer 16:03

8M ago16:03

16:03

In this lesson we look at direct and indirect ways of asking for help. You will learn fixed expressions that you can use in any letter of request letter, and you'll also learn how to demonstrate flexibility with a variety of tenses when you 'give details of your musical activities'. Find the full lesson with models and interactive practice on my we…

1
IELTS maps and plans (describing future changes) 24:15

8M ago24:15

24:15

In this lesson, we look at how you can use Listening Test maps to improve the way you describe maps and plans in the Writing Test. In this lesson we'll cover How to talk about FUTURE changes How to avoid over-using 'going to' How to use the passive tense How to use the vocabulary of change related to maps We also review map prepositions, and we loo…

1
IELTS Reading: The Fosbury Flop 29:54

9M ago29:54

29:54

This is a talk-through of a General Training Reading Passage 3. The text tells the story of the 'Fosbury Flop', which is a high-jump technique developed by a 21 year-old university student from the USA called Dick Fosbury in the late 1960s. In this lesson, you'll practise Matching Information, Multiple Choice and gapfill questions. Get all my lesso…

1
IELTS Listening Section 2: Tips for runners 🏃‍♀️ 20:01

9M ago20:01

20:01

In this Listening Section 2 about tips for runners, you'll learn how to spot distractors in different question types such as matching people and multiple choice. Get the full lesson with 180+ more lessons in the Bronze Academy https://ieltsetc.com/2024/07/ielts-listening-matching-people-distractors/ Get the list of phrasal verbs to talk about hobbi…

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IELTS Reading: How tennis rackets have changed 🎾 22:29

10M ago22:29

22:29

This is a talk-through of a Passage 1 Academic Reading text about tennis rackets (Book 19 Test 1). It covers 2 sets of questions (True, False, Not Given and Gapfill Summary). Full lesson notes and video available on my website and Members Academy.

1
IELTS Writing: 9 tips for a Band 9 essay 30:24

10M ago30:24

30:24

1
Episode 3 - Jacob Slichter (Semisonic Drummer) 58:56

10M ago58:56

58:56

In the late 90s, hardly any bands were more ubiquitous than Semisonic. Thanks to their breakout hit "Closing Time", they shot to the top of the charts and cemented themselves as rock stars of that era. As the band's drummer, Jacob Slichter enjoyed the upsides of that period, from limousine rides to arena shows and TV appearances. However, what he d…

1
IELTS GT Part 1: Passport Applications and Airport Services 🛂🛄 20:25

11M ago20:25

20:25

A quick look at TFNG and a less common type of Matching Headings. Get the full text here https://www.ieltsetc.com/2019/03/ielts-gt-reading-passports-and-airports/

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Episode 2 - Chad Focus (Digital Services) 1:04:18

11M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

The second episode of the MIAR podcast explores the world of digital service providers who specialize in advertising, botting, and paid marketing in the music space. One of the most notable names in that world is Chad Focus, who gained nationwide notoriety for manufacturing his rap career by way of social media ads, paid billboards, ticket scalping…

1
Episode 1 - Jeff Bass (Eminem Producer) 39:34

1y ago39:34

39:34

The MIAR podcast kicks off its first episode with the producer behind much of Eminem's early work. Jeff and his brother Mark discovered and produced most of the music on Eminem's first albums, but as the years went by they found themselves increasingly at odds with his label, Interscope/Universal, and were gradually written out of the story. Other …

1
IELTS Reading: Crows and tools 🧰 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

Quick tips to help you with the Speaking Challenge followed by a Reading Passage 2 about the tool-making abilities of crows (and what we have in common with them). True/False/Not Given. Get the full reading here https://www.ieltsetc.com/2018/11/ielts-reading-two-wings-toolkit/

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IELTS Reading: Stonehenge 35:40

1+ y ago35:40

35:40

This is my walkthrough of an Academic Passage 1 about Stonehenge.Keyword before you listen:‘Winter solstice’ - the shortest day of the year (December 21st)Meaning: to stand stillThe solstice (combining the Latin words sol for “sun” and ‘sistere’ for “stand still”) is the point where the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest point in the…

1
IELTS Listening 🌋: academic words you need for Part 3 30:54

1+ y ago30:54

30:54

This listening about a research project contains several examples of ‘academic’ language (language related to studying at university) that you need to understand Listening Part 3. It's about a volcanic eruption, and is adapted from a Cambridge Past Paper (Book 18). Get the full lesson notes and video in the Bronze Membership on my website ieltsetc.…

1
IELTS Listening: Elephant translocation 🐘 20:16

1+ y ago20:16

20:16

This Part 4 Listening is all about moving elephants. In the lesson you'll learn about: using word prompts to keep your place using intonation and sentence stress to identify answers using spelling patterns and plurals to get the right answers The full transcript is available in the Bronze Membership on my website. https://ieltsetc.com/2023/10/ielts…

1
IELTS Reading: Forest Management 🌳 20:28

1+ y ago20:28

20:28

This is a relatively easy Passage 2 from a Cambridge Past Paper, with 3 sets of questions [Matching Information, Categorising and Gapfill]. https://ieltsetc.com/2023/10/ielts-reading-forest-management/

1
IELTS Listening: Victor Hugo 25:34

2y ago25:34

25:34

This Listening Part 4 about a writer called Victor Hugo is taken from the new Practice Book 18. In the podcast you'll learn why this particular test is more difficult than usual how reference words give you the answer (if you can remember what they refer to) techniques for predicting and retaining information common gapfill answers and how they're …

1
IELTS Reading: The birth and growth of Manhattan's Skyscrapers. 🗽 23:36

2y ago23:36

23:36

This is a Passage 3 review about a book about The Birth and Growth of Manhattan's Skyscrapers. This is an extremely difficult text. It would really help if you have the text in front of you. The only good thing about this text is that everything goes in COMPLETE ORDER and we know where everything is, because it goes from 'Chapter 1' to 'Chapter 10'…

1
IELTS Reading: Urban farming 22:01

2y ago22:01

22:01

Farming and agriculture is my Number 1 Vocabulary topic for IELTS, and I noticed that most of the readings in this new Cambridge Practice Test Book (18) are related either to the environment (Week 1 of my vocab course) or to cities/architecture/buildings (Week 2 in my Vocabulary course - the Man-Made Environment). So make sure you re-read this text…

1
IELTS Reading: Stadiums 26:45

2y ago26:45

26:45

This is a pretty straighforward Academic Part 2 about Stadiums. In this podcast we'll go through 3 question types (Matching Statements, Gapfill Summary and Choosing from a list.) Get more in the Members Academy https://ieltsetc.com/courses.

1
IELTS Reading: The development of the London underground railway 24:03

2y ago24:03

24:03

I guarantee that you can do this in under 10 minutes if you follow my system. Find the Reading online and do it yourself before you listen. Learn more about my IELTS Reading techniques with TWO courses in the Members Academy. ieltsetc.com/courses

1
IELTS Listening Part 2: Matthews Island Holidays 28:28

2y ago28:28

28:28

Get the full blog with audio on my website: https://ieltsetc.com/2023/04/ielts-listening-tips-complete-guide/ In this lesson, I examine the MACRO and MICRO skills you need to get all of the answers right in this Section 2 IELTS Listening about a holiday company. For example: Background knowledge (what you already know about holiday companies, tour …

1
📝 Which is the best (free) online IELTS writing checker? 23:13

2y ago23:13

23:13

There are many free online IELTS Writing checkers available, and they can be useful when you’re starting your IELTS preparation. Online writing checkers such as Grammarly can give you simple feedback on your grammar, vocabulary and linking words. There are more sophisticated versions available that claim they can assess your IELTS writing using the…

1
How many IELTS Reading question types are there? (Tips on how to tackle different questions in the IELTS Reading test) 21:35

2y ago21:35

21:35

[Skip the 5-minute introduction if you want to just get to the question types!] Different websites have different ways of categorising IELTS Reading Question types. See my latest blog for all the details: https://ieltsetc.com/2023/03/how-many-ielts-reading-question-types/ In my online courses, I follow the official IELTS.org guidelines, and I have …

1
How to prepare for IELTS in 10 days 34:48

2y ago34:48

34:48

The best thing about the IELTS Test is that you cannot fail it. The test simply takes a ‘snapshot’ of your current level of English. So if you’ve suddenly realised that you need to take the test in 10 days don’t panic too much. Consider it a ‘practice run’. 10 days is just enough time to familiarise yourself with the test requirements so you can gi…

1
Pronunciation for IELTS Listening - how to understand fast speech 26:24

2y ago26:24

26:24

There are 7 key features of fast speech and pronunciation that you need to develop a better understanding of in order to increase your Listening Score: Features of connected speech (dropping sounds, adding sounds, changing sounds, weak sounds and twin sounds). Word boundaries Homophones Sounds that are different or don’t exist in your language Acce…

1
IELTS Listening: Hotel Staff Turnover 27:52

2+ y ago27:52

27:52

In this Listening Section 2 we look at: - Multiple choice questions - distractors - matching from a list - the word 'staff' and how it's repeated 32 times- how to pronounce 'staff'- academic language you can use in Task 2Improve your IELTS score with my intensive Listening Course:ieltsetc.com/courses…

1
IELTS New Year Resolutions 2023 29:33

2+ y ago29:33

29:33

What will you do differently in 2023? Here are my 7 resolutions to help you get the IELTS test over and done with once and for all. Get all the tips on my Daily Tips page https://app.getbeamer.com/ieltswithfiona/en and get all my lessons on my website ieltsetc.com. Join the Members Academy to make faster progress.…

1
IELTS Reading: To catch a king 🤴👑 32:54

2+ y ago32:54

32:54

In this episode, I'll take you through one of my Guided Readings - it's an Academic Passage 3 from Book 17 and, unusually, it's a book review. Follow my Advent Challenge on my website: https://ieltsetc.com/ielts-advent-adventure/ Join the Members Academy: https://ieltsetc.com/courses

1
IELTS Mindset: 😵‍💫 How to deal with 'too much information' (feeling overwhelmed) 29:47

2+ y ago29:47

29:47

Question: "How do I cope with so much information when I'm preparing for the IELTS test?"Answer: "Just do as much as you need to do for the Band score that you want."In all aspects of life, there are different levels of expertise and knowledge.Deciding what you want to do with your IELTS score will help you manage your time and your learning.I've c…

1
IELTS Listening: 🇮🇸 The impact of digital technology on the Icelandic language 24:59

2+ y ago24:59

24:59

Can you guess the answers to the gapfill before you listen? In this episode I talk you through a Passage 4 where I think about 60% of the answers are guessable! Thinking of becoming a Member of my Academy? Find out more on my website: ieltsetc.com/courses

1
IELTS Reading: Feathers as decoration in European History 29:17

2+ y ago29:17

29:17

A tricky GT Part 3 Reading with Matching Headings, Multiple Choice, and Matching Sentence Endings.

1
IELTS Mindset Part 3: How to ask SMARTER questions 37:16

2+ y ago37:16

37:16

I've spoken a lot about Mindset for IELTS in 2 earlier blogs: 1. How to train your mindset for IELTS https://ieltsetc.com/how-to-train-your-mindset-for-ielts/ 2. How to stop making excuses and start making progress https://ieltsetc.com/2020/11/improve-ielts-score/ In this (rather long) podcast I talk about asking SMARTER questions to get smarter an…

1
IELTS Listening Part 3: Veterinary science students 22:13

2+ y ago22:13

22:13

In this podcast, you'll practice listening for the tricks in Multiple Choice Questions. This is yet another Listening based on the topic of farming, and it includes many of the keywords on my IELTS planner list Day 1 (Agriculture), for example: - breed - bred/reared - livestock - to increase production - domesticated animals - controlling and eradi…

1
IELTS Reading: Reducing injuries on the farm 23:17

2+ y ago23:17

23:17

This Reading will also help your Task 2 Writing. Watch this quick video to see why: https://app.getbeamer.com/ieltswithfiona/en/week-2-september-challenge-reading-about-farming

1
IELTS Writing Task 2: How to write a Band 9 essay [Introductions] 20:52

2+ y ago20:52

20:52

In today's September Challenge, we're reviewing Task 2 essays, starting with how to write a good Introduction. Check out the blog I refer to here (with a model essay): https://ieltsetc.com/2021/03/ielts-band-9-sample-essay-charity/ and learn more about Introductions here: https://ieltsetc.com/2020/05/ielts-writing-task-2-how-to-write-an-introductio…

1
IELTS Writing Task 1: 🐟🍗Consumption of meat and fish. 17:41

2+ y ago17:41

17:41

Day 3 of the September IELTS Planner Challenge is all about describing changes in Writing Task 1. See the graph and video here. https://app.getbeamer.com/ieltswithfiona/en/september-challenge-day-3-writing-task-1 Or just go to my Daily Tips Day 3 on ieltsetc.com

1
IELTS Listening Part 1: 🏄‍♀️ Learning to surf 17:17

2+ y ago17:17

17:17

Day 2 of the September 2022 Challenge. This is a Part 1 but full of TRICKS! Get the full video version in the Members Academy. Join the challenge on my website: www.ieltsetc.com (find it in the Daily Tips section)

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