
Plain English
The best podcast for learning English if you like current events and trending topics. Improve your English listening, learn new words, and build your confidence with the #1 English-learning podcast focused on current events and trending topics.
Improve your English listening: Plain English episodes go a little slower than native speed so you can understand every word and improve your English listening little by little.
Your host is Jeff. He's a native English speaker from the United States and he's committed to helping you improve your English skills with real-life stories—not textbook exercises.
==> Want more? If you like listening to our episodes and want to do more with us, then join us at https://plainenglish.com/join/ (PlainEnglish.com), where you can take quizzes, do interactive exercises, watch step-by-step video lessons, get expert feedback on your writing, practice speaking in English on live Zoom calls…and much more!
👉 Visit https://plainenglish.com/join/ (PlainEnglish.com/join) to start for free
Latest episodes

May 14, 2025 • 13min
Expression: Make sure
Great news -- the expressions are back!"Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listenIn the meantime, enjoy this sample episode!--The English expression "make sure" means to confirm that things are as they should be, or that people have done what they should do.You probably "make sure" all the time. When you leave your house, you make sure you have your keys with you. Before you go on long trip, you make sure your passport is still valid.Here's a tip: You can use "make sure" to remind someone to do something. If you have kids, you can say, "Make sure to brush your teeth before bed."Now, here's my reminder to you: "Make sure" to use this expression correctly. Use "make sure" to confirm that everything is the way it should be.--Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

May 12, 2025 • 17min
Dalai Lama leads Tibetan Buddhists from exile
Today's story: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, one of three major schools of Buddhism. Though he leads only a fraction of the world’s Buddhists, his influence is global due to his role as a symbol of Tibet’s struggle for religious freedom. Now the Dalai Lama is 89, and confronting the fact that he will be the first in over 600 years to die outside Tibet.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/774Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/774 --In this lesson, you heard the English expression "figure out." It's part of our Essential English Expressions series. Listen to the episode here: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/figure-out --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned in this episode:The Expressions are back!Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions."
Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

May 8, 2025 • 15min
LinkedIn is now a place to share
Today's story: LinkedIn has evolved from a resume and networking site into a platform where users share personal stories, professional lessons, and insights. Changes to the algorithm, a shift in user behavior during the pandemic, and a more civil atmosphere have turned LinkedIn into a space for authentic content and unexpected influence.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/773Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/773 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned in this episode:The Expressions are back!Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions."
Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

May 7, 2025 • 16min
Expression: Make a difference
Great news -- the expressions are back!"Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listenIn the meantime, enjoy this sample episode!--Learn the English expression, "Expression: Make a difference"What does it mean to "make a difference?"This English expression has two meanings: Number one, to have a positive impact on the world. Or number 2, to have a noticeable effect.If someone volunteers at a food bank, you can say, "Her work really makes a difference." She's doing something good. She's having a positive impact on the world.Now imagine you change up your breakfast. Instead of having a muffin, you have a green smoothie. Now, you have more energy. Your new breakfast made a difference because it had a noticeable effect.--Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

May 5, 2025 • 17min
How a new pope is chosen
Today's story: When a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals, made up of senior advisors, convenes at the Vatican to elect a successor. Cardinals under age 80 enter a secret Conclave inside the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in silence and prayer until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. White smoke signals the world that a new pope has been chosen.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/772Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/772 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned in this episode:The Expressions are back!Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions."
Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

May 1, 2025 • 12min
These new high-rises are made of wood
Today's story: Mass timber is a new type of engineered wood that allows buildings to reach heights once thought impossible for timber. It’s efficient to build, environmentally friendly, and gaining popularity in cities around the world, especially in Europe. But challenges like fire safety and moisture still remain.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/771Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/771 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned in this episode:The Expressions are back!Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions."
Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Apr 30, 2025 • 18min
Expression: Look forward to
Great news -- the expressions are back!"Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listenIn the meantime, enjoy this sample episode!--Learn the English expression, "Expression: Look forward to"Are you happy or excited about something in the future? If so, you're "looking forward to" itYou can look forward to an event, an activity, or even a time of year. If you have plans to see a movie this weekend, you can say, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie." That means you're happy about it.If it's just been a long, cold winter, you might even say, "I'm looking forward to the warm weather." That means, you'll be happy when the weather gets warmer.What about if something will happen and you're not happy about it? Just say you're not looking forward to it. "I'm not looking forward to this party." That means, the party is coming...but you don't want to go.So remember: "look forward to" is all about the way you feel about something that's coming in the future.--Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

Apr 30, 2025 • 5min
Big news: The Expressions are back!
Big news from Plain English....The Expressions are coming back!Announcing... a brand-new podcast, "Essential English Expressions" Every episode in "Essential English Expressions" shows you step-by-step how to use an important expression in English. All 14 episodes of Season 1 are available for you to download or stream right now!Here is what to do:Click here to find "Essential English Expressions": https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listenSubscribe to / Follow "Essential English Expressions" on your podcast app--Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-courseMentioned in this episode:The Expressions are back!Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions."
Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Apr 28, 2025 • 18min
Le Creuset turns 100
Celebrate 100 years of Le Creuset, a brand that transformed cookware with its vibrant enamel and innovative design. Discover the fascinating journey from its Belgian roots to global fame. Personal cooking anecdotes shine through, including nostalgic camping trips with a beloved Dutch oven. The podcast also inspires listeners to elevate their culinary skills, making both history and personal stories deliciously relatable.

4 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 16min
Updates: Daniel Kahneman, new euro, Rust movie
The podcast discusses the intriguing life and tragic end of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, who chose assisted suicide. It also covers the upcoming release of the movie 'Rust', which follows a tragic on-set accident. Additionally, listeners learn about the resurgence of standardized tests in university admissions and key legal updates surrounding the film. Plus, there's a focus on enriching English learning through storytelling, making the process both enjoyable and practical.