Best Dutch Language Podcasts (2026)

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818 Amsterdam Museums; Regenerating London; European Borders 52:00

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4m ago52:00

52:00

Two Dutch tour guides help us get the picture on what's new on Amsterdam's eclectic exhibit scene. Then a Blue Badge guide lets us in on where to go in London to see the exciting ways the venerable city is reinventing itself. And a journalist delves into the inexact science of borders and ponders the complicated relationship between physical geogra…

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Rare books, burned letters, and Johnson’s dictionary, with John Overholt 32:21

4d ago32:21

32:21

1149. This week, we look at the life and legacy of Samuel Johnson, the man behind the 1755 Dictionary of the English Language. We talk with John Overholt, curator at Harvard’s Houghton Library, about Johnson's eclectic career. We also look at what it’s like to manage a collection of 4,000 rare books and why even the most "unremarkable" items deserv…

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Penny idioms that are still legal tender. The linguistic history of procrastination. Tanner tour. 14:49

6d ago14:49

14:49

1148. This week, we look at penny idioms that are still "legal tender" in our language even as the U.S. penny is retired. We look at the history of phrases like "a bad penny" and "penny wise and pound foolish." Then, we look at the linguistic history of procrastination, explaining how human nature changed words like "soon," "anon," and "presently" …

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817 Budget Travel Tips; Moonlight Express; Hola South America 52:00

7d ago52:00

52:00

A budget-minded travel blogger shares timely tips for keeping costs down — so that you can keep your travel dreams alive. Then a British journalist with a passion for rail travel enthuses about the special magic of the sleeper train. And an American writer based in Chile tells us what he loves about living in South America. For more information on …

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The Goth letters: why the alphabet goes off the rails after T, with Danny Bate 26:13

11d ago26:13

26:13

1147. In this bonus segment that originally ran in October, we look at the fascinating history of the "new letters" of the alphabet — V, W, X, Y, and Z. Danny Bate explains why T was the original end of the alphabet and how letters were added by the Greeks and Romans. We also look at the origin of the letter Y, which was originally a vowel, and the…

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Episode 187: Islands and Sea 1:12:40

6d ago1:12:40

1:12:40

In this episode, we explore the influence of seafaring on the English language in the early 1600s. We also look at events in the latter half of the 1620s, which included the first permanent English settlements in the Caribbean. This period saw the arrival of Charles I as the new king of England and Scotland, so we also examine his early reign and h…

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War of the dots. Why we say 'pitch black.' Pitch hot. 15:38

13d ago15:38

15:38

1146. This week, we look at the history of Braille, from the tragic accident that inspired Louis Braille's six-dot system to the "War of the Dots"—a decades-long conflict over competing reading standards in the U.S. Then, we look at the origin of the phrase "pitch black," revealing how the intensifier "pitch" refers to an ancient, dark wood tar and…

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816 Vesterheim; Atlas Obscura Curiosities; Lessons Learned 52:00

14d ago52:00

52:00

Celebrate Norwegian roots in America as we mark the 200th anniversary of a major wave of immigration to the US from the Scandinavian nation. Then join an expert of the offbeat as he delves into some of the more curious places and things held dear by people around the world. And listen in as callers share their favorite travel memories of the year b…

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How a long-lost yearbook revealed the origin of 'hella,' with Ben Zimmer 30:31

18d ago30:31

30:31

1145. In this bonus segment from October, I talk with Ben Zimmer about "hella" and how even yearbook messages can be digitized to help preserve the language record. Ben shares the full story of this slang term, and we also talk about the detective work that led to the OED using Run DMC's use of "drop" in “Spin Magazine” as a citation. Ben Zimmer's …

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McKenna’s Dutch journey on and off the stage 34:43

16d ago34:43

34:43

In this episode, Michel Daenen speaks with McKenna Mahacek. Her Dutch story beautifully combines creativity, courage, and finding your place in a new country. Some of you may remember a very special moment during the Michel Daenen's book launch of Expatfactor. While the audience watched a dancer move on screen, many didn’t realize they were witness…

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The origin of X in algebra. Why we say ‘how come’ for ‘why.’ Water handles. 17:37

20d ago17:37

17:37

1144. This week, we look at the origin of the letter X as the variable for the unknown in algebra. Then, we look at the phrase "how come," explaining why it's more informal than "why" and how its grammar subtly differs from other question words. That X segment was written by Peter Schumer, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Middlebu…

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De Kerstman in Nederland - Learn Dutch B1 17:14

16d ago17:14

17:14

If you didn't grow up in the Netherlands, the difference between Sinterklaas and de Kerstman can be confusing. In this podcast episode, we’ll tell you all about it. See our courses and read transcriptsBy The Dutch Online Academy

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427c Christmas in London, Umbria, France, Norway, Greece, Basque Country 52:00

17d ago52:00

52:00

Christmas is a little different across the pond — where Santas dwell on farms or in the woods, festively decorated boats stand in for sleighs, and fermented trout is a must-try treat. Learn about holiday traditions observed in France, Norway, Greece, London, the Spanish Basque Country, and small-town Italy, as a slate of Rick's guides share their c…

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2025 Words of the Year, with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber 24:00

25d ago24:00

24:00

1143. This week, we look at the 2025 words of the year with Jess Zafarris and Danny Hieber. We look at viral slang like "six seven" and cultural terms like "rage bait" and "fatigued." We also look at the dramatic rise of "slop" to describe low-quality AI content and how words like "parasocial" are changing function. Find Jess Zafarris at UselessEty…

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'Pride and prejudice' before Jane Austen. Was Parson Brown a real person? Happy Panda. 15:24

27d ago15:24

15:24

1142. This week, we look at the history of the phrase "pride and prejudice," which was used frequently before Jane Austen’s 1813 novel. Then, we look at whether Parson Brown from “Winter Wonderland” was a real person, and why his name is sometimes replaced with a “circus clown.” Links to Get One Month Free of the Grammar Girl Patreon (different lin…

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815 Sacred Paris; Newgrange Solstice; Finnish Sauna; Christmas in Estonia, Rome, Venice 52:00

24d ago52:00

52:00

Hear a Francophile's recommendations for some of the most magnificent religious architecture to explore in Paris. Then vicariously experience a winter solstice ritual from inside an ancient tomb in Ireland, and warm up to the custom that's central to life in Finland: the sauna. Plus, kick off the Christmas season with local holiday traditions from …

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The 'sheeple' incident, with Stefan Fatsis 25:27

1M ago25:27

25:27

1141. We look at the controversy that caught Stefan Fatsis by surprise when he defined the word "sheeple" for Merriam-Webster, leading to public complaints. We also look at the origin and purpose of the obscure "Backward Index" invented by Webster's Third editor Philip Gove and how quickly Merriam added COVID-related words to the dictionary. Find S…

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11: Fiona Gray: Translator and Chair the Institute of Translation and Interpreting 37:40

27d ago37:40

37:40

In this conversation Fiona Gray, a translator and Chair of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, shares her journey in language learning and translation. Fiona shares her experiences studying multiple languages, her transition into professional translation and her passion for tourism and creative translation. Fiona also highlights the impo…

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The rise of the 'hamster wheel.' The many names of Santa Claus. Unattractive turtles. 14:04

1M ago14:04

14:04

1140. This week, we look at the difference between the modern phrase "hamster wheel" and the older "rat race," and why the former gained popularity. We also look at the similar concept of the hedonic treadmill. Then, we look at the many names for Santa Claus, including the Dutch "Sinter Klaas" and the German "Christkindlein." The Santa Claus segmen…

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814 Tuesdays at the Louvre; Stone 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

A Paris-based journalist lets us in on what happens behind closed doors at the city's grandest museum when it shuts to the public each Tuesday. And the last apprentice to be trained in the medieval techniques of masonry in Tuscany reveals how ancient secrets help to turn stone into masterpieces of art and architecture. For more information on Trave…

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Joyce has been around as expat spouse (Dutch language episode) 42:09

1M ago42:09

42:09

If you’ve listened before, you know that our episodes are normally in English. But every now and then, there’s a conversation that deserves to be shared in Dutch — just as it was spoken. Today’s episode is one of those moments. And I really want to encourage you to stay with us, even if Dutch isn’t your strongest language yet. Think of it as a gent…

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An inspiring tutor, 'New York System' hot dogs, and 'queen spotting.' 25:11

1M ago25:11

25:11

1139. In this bonus discussion with Martha Barnette back in March, we look at Martha's pivotal twelve-year journey with a polyglot tutor who transformed her understanding of ancient Greek, starting with the etymology of "Oedipus." We also look at her beekeeping adventures, including the unknown-to-me history of the term 'queen bee' and a unique boo…

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Why Brits eat biscuits and Americans eat cookies. Why brands keep nouning everything. Hamster alert. 17:46

1M ago17:46

17:46

This week, in honor of National Cookie Day, we look at the vocabulary split between British and American English, including the differences between a cookie and a biscuit, and the two meanings of "pudding." Then, we look at anthimeria, the advertising trend of turning one part of speech into another, as in the slogan "Together makes progress." The …

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495b National Parks Dinner Party; The Great Southwest; Utah's Craziest Bike Ride 52:00

1M ago52:00

52:00

Author Terry Tempest Williams describes the various "personalities" of a dozen US national parks and examines each one's contributions to the American character. Then historian Flannery Burke tells us how Arizona and New Mexico came to embody what we now think of as the Great Southwest. And travel writer Christopher Solomon enjoys getting dusty on …

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Rob Drummond on languaging and our fluid speaking identities 18:36

2M ago18:36

18:36

In this bonus conversation with Rob Drummond from back in June, he and I get into the fascinating concept of "languaging" — the idea that speaking is an active process we use to constantly shape and project our identities. Rob explains how our "speaking identities" are incredibly fluid, changing based on context, audience, and even the language we'…

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10: Growing what3words Into 61 Languages, With Linguist & Composer Jamie Brown 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

In this episode Sonia speaks with Jamie Brown, a linguist, composer, and former Chief Language Services Officer at what3words, the company that makes it easy to identify a specific location. Jamie shares his journey from growing up with a stammer to managing the development of 61 language versions of what3words across the world. He also reveals how…

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The sinful fork (and other dinner-table surprises) 14:49

2M ago14:49

14:49

1136. This week, we go full Thanksgiving, talking about the origin of butter knives, forks, and more. You'll love all the tidbits you can share with your family or friends during dinner. 🔗 Share your familect recording via Speakpipe, by calling 833-214-4475 (or via WhatsApp chat.) 🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses. 🔗 Subscribe to the new…

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813 20th-Century France; Finest Hotel in Kabul; Photogenic Scotland 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Historian Colin Jones has managed to distill centuries of French history into just 250 pages, and he leads us through significant sights from the mighty nation's recent past. Then a veteran BBC correspondent recalls turbulent times in 1980s Afghanistan and the hotel that still stands as a symbol of the country's resilient people. And a photographer…

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Why print dictionaries still matter, with Peter Sokolowski 35:31

2M ago35:31

35:31

1135. This week, we talk with Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster, about the new print 12th Collegiate Dictionary. We look at why print still matters, how the dictionary used lookup data to decide which words to drop (least looked-up compounds), and the importance of serendipity when researching words in a physical book. Find Peter…

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Personification in language and AI. Dictums, maxims, and proverbs. Expensitive. 17:26

2M ago17:26

17:26

1134. This week, we look at the poetic power of personification (the language quirk that gives human traits to nonhuman things) and why style guides advise against using it for AI. Then, we look at the different names for common sayings, defining a proverb and breaking down the four main types: maxim, adage, dictum, and truism. The personification …

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812 What's New in Venice; The Senior Nomads Come Home; Food Tours in Europe 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

One of Rick's favorite Venice tour guides lets us in on changes afoot in Italy's city of dreams. Then the tireless Senior Nomads share lessons from a dozen years on the road as they unpack their suitcases and settle down for good. And a gastronomic guide invites us to dig into the best bites from across the continent. For more information on Travel…

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The secret rules of crossword puzzles, with Natan Last 29:16

2M ago29:16

29:16

1133. This week, crossword pro Natan Last talks about his book "Across the Universe." We look at the technical and cultural differences between American and British puzzle styles and the secrets that will surprise you about how clues are written and edited. We also look at "crosswordese," the long submission process for the “New York Times,” and th…