6 Minute English

Discussion of hormone-based weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro and how they reduce appetite. Personal stories about dramatic weight loss and relief from persistent 'food noise'. Origins of these medicines as diabetes treatments and why weight loss was a side effect. A reminder that drugs are not a complete solution and lifestyle still matters.

They explore why some people tolerate cold better than others and which factors—genes, culture, birthplace and clothing—shape our feeling of cold. There is a quiz about the coldest recorded temperature and advice on dressing for extreme cold. The conversation covers acclimatization, gender differences in cold response, and how lifestyle and environment combine to change our tolerance.

A discussion about a new EU law that could raise the price of chocolate. Challenges of tracing cocoa from small, remote farms and the mapping hurdles involved. Street interviews on whether people would pay more and reflections from a producer on co-ops and social enterprises. Vocabulary around deforestation, traceability and geolocation is highlighted.

They explore why many animals sport black-and-white coloring, from warning signals to camouflage. Experiments about zebra stripes and fly behavior are discussed. The varying reasons behind penguin and panda patterns are examined. New vocabulary related to animal coloration is highlighted.

How often do you use pepper? It's one of the most common spices to add to food, so common in fact that many of us don't just use it when cooking, but also place it on our dinner tables to add extra flavour! But how much do we really know about pepper? There are hundreds of different varieties worldwide and they all have the power to add that special something to our food. Neil and Becca discuss this seasoning and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260226Want to boost your speaking skills? Try Beating Speaking Anxiety, our series to help fight your fears of speaking English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/beating_speaking_anxietyGet our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

They chat about home cooking versus the tough life of working in restaurants. Learn why some people aim to be top chefs and how they apply to elite kitchens. Hear one chef’s journey from training to opening a restaurant focused on botanical cuisine and building a signature style. Vocabulary related to careers and standing out is reviewed.

Sylvia Solomusiova, European championship medalist and viral artistic swimmer, shares her world of underwater dance. She talks about solo, duet and team routines. She describes eight-hour training days, breath-holding challenges and being coached by her mother. Listeners hear about the dedication, discipline and performance pressure behind the smiles.

A lively conversation about dyslexia as a different way of processing information and why that can be an advantage. They explore campaigns that reframe dyslexia as a strength and play clips of well-known figures describing their experiences. There is a playful quiz about famous scientists with dyslexia and a discussion of why diverse skill sets help teams succeed.

People preparing for major global disasters and the prepper mentality are explored. The rise of luxury underground bunkers built by tech billionaires is described, including extravagant amenities. Motivations like nuclear risk, climate collapse and AI are discussed. Listeners are introduced to survival skills, prepping culture and related vocabulary.

Many people feel anxious about speaking a new language, even if they're fluent. The hosts discuss real-life experiences, like nervously ordering coffee, highlighting the common fears faced by learners. They explore the reasons behind speaking anxiety, such as irrational beliefs and fear of judgment. Mistakes are emphasized as a vital part of the learning process, reassuring listeners that challenges are opportunities for growth. Tune in for practical tips to overcome speaking fears and boost your language confidence!