
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

Jul 15, 2024 • 20min
Typical U.S. salaries by profession (Take out)
Explore typical U.S. salaries by profession, from lawyers to teachers. Learn the English expression 'take out' for obtaining loans or insurance. Discover the concept of insurance policies and loans, including life insurance and subscriptions.

Jul 11, 2024 • 18min
America's best small museums (Pop culture)
Discover the best small museums in the US, from Andy Warhol Museum to National WWII Museum. Explore pop culture and its impact on language learning. Learn about diverse museums showcasing history, art, sports, and more. Dive into trivia about pop culture icons like Taylor Swift and BTS. Enhance English skills with resources on plainenglish.com.

Jul 8, 2024 • 18min
The best big museums in America (Make a difference)
Explore the best big museums in America, including The Met, The Art Institute, and The Getty Center. Learn about air and space, the history of the automobile, and the world's biggest children's museum. Discover how to 'make a difference' and improve your English skills with common expressions and phrasal verbs.

Jul 4, 2024 • 21min
Is west-coast living really better? (Year-round)
Learn about the lifestyle on the west coast with its pleasant weather and cultural advancements. Explore the pros and cons of living in California, Oregon, and Washington, including the high costs and innovative companies. Discover the concept of bi-coastal living and upcoming episodes on museum culture in the US.

Jul 1, 2024 • 19min
East-coast living: the pros and cons (Focus on)
A podcast discusses living on the East Coast, highlighting benefits like rich history and culture, but also mentioning harsh winters. They explore the concept of 'focus on' and its importance in achieving goals. The show offers English language learning opportunities for listeners to improve their skills.

Jun 27, 2024 • 20min
Dollar stores dominate rural America (Fall out of fashion)
Listen to a discussion on how dollar stores have become a big business, offering rock-bottom prices on various products. Explore the concept of 'falling out of fashion' and the reasons behind outdated trends like fax machines and CDs. Discover upcoming topics on investment trends and American life, with a focus on improving English skills.

Jun 24, 2024 • 21min
Bad harvests are pushing up orange juice prices (Worthwhile)
Bad harvests in Brazil and Florida are driving up orange juice prices globally. Producers are debating using lower-quality blends or adding other citrus fruits. Farmers are uncertain if it's worth planting new trees. The podcast also discusses the concept of 'worthwhile' in various scenarios, such as trips, meetings, and investments. Plus, upcoming topics include dollar stores and East Coast vs West Coast living comparisons.

Jun 20, 2024 • 21min
Lost luggage: What happens to it? (Track down)
Discover the journey of lost luggage, from airline auctions to hidden treasures. Learn the English expression 'track down'. Explore the challenges of finding old friends and get ready for fun summer break episodes.

Jun 17, 2024 • 19min
Flying cars: are they finally here? (Creep closer)
The podcast discusses the possibility of flying cars becoming a reality with new startups ready to transport passengers. The biggest hurdle is obtaining permission from the government. Listen to learn an English expression and explore the advancements and anticipation of flying car technology.

Jun 13, 2024 • 18min
Beethoven's hair provides clues to his hearing loss (Suffer from)
A new analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals toxic levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic that may have contributed to his health issues, including hearing loss. The podcast also discusses how to use the English expression 'suffer from' and explores examples of suffering from environmental challenges and personal hardships.