
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

Oct 2, 2023 • 22min
The 7 design ideas for the new euro bills | Learn English expression 'in-depth'
The podcast discusses the seven design ideas for the new euro bills, including themes related to birds, rivers, values, and hands. It questions the reflection of Europe's diversity in the designs. The speaker also explains the English expression 'in-depth' and encourages participation in voting for the preferred design of the new euro bills.

Sep 28, 2023 • 24min
What should go on the new euro banknotes? | Learn English expression 'hard-pressed'
The podcast discusses the challenges of redesigning the euro banknotes, including the difficulties in deciding what to depict on the notes. It explores the absence of famous names and explores the expression 'hard-pressed'. The speaker also shares their experiences of traveling to Europe and losing their wallet with European banknotes.

Sep 25, 2023 • 23min
Edible microchips to track authentic Italian cheese | Learn English expression 'bear resemblance to'
Italian makers of Parmigiano Reggiano combat cheese counterfeiting by implanting edible tracking chips. Exploring the distinction between counterfeit and imitation products. Authentication methods of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, including microchips and QR codes. Discussion on concerns about microchip tracking and CEO's assurance. Examples of how the expression 'bear resemblance' is used, such as Eurobank notes.

Sep 21, 2023 • 21min
Do you really need 10,000 steps? | Learn English phrasal verb 'capitalize on'
The podcast discusses the myth of needing 10,000 steps a day for good health, explores personalized step count recommendations, and highlights the importance of adding extra steps for fitness goals. It also delves into the phrasal verb 'capitalize on' and how companies can leverage sports events to promote their products. Finally, it discusses the concept of 'capitalizing on' in sports and politics and achieving goals.

Sep 18, 2023 • 22min
Courts grapple with how to interpret emojis | Learn English expression 'figure that'
Exploring how courts interpret emojis in legal cases and the challenges it presents. The varying interpretations of emojis and the need for an emoji dictionary. Understanding the phrase 'figure that' and its usage. Examples of emojis leading to misinterpretation in financial and personal contexts.

Sep 14, 2023 • 23min
Crisis averted as oil safely offloaded from FSO Safer | Learn English phrasal verb 'go back on'
" As the oil tanker FSO Safer deteriorated off the coast of Yemen, U.N. diplomats scrambled to get access to the vessel, and to raise the money for a rescue. Finally, a U.N. team completed the two-week transfer of oil from the rusting old tanker, averting a crisis. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/607 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "

Sep 11, 2023 • 24min
How a rusting oil tanker threatened the Red Sea | Learn expression 'accident waiting to happen'
" The FSO Safer is an oil storage vessel, meant to store oil waiting to be shipped to the market. But when rebels took over the coast of Yemen, they held the ship hostage. That was in 2015. In the years since, nobody performed required maintenance and the ship has deteriorated, risking a spill or an explosion. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/606 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "

Sep 7, 2023 • 21min
Employers sour on remote work | Learn English expression 'come full circle'
Guest: Zoom, teleconferencing company. Research suggests remote work isn't as productive as office work. Companies like Zoom implementing stricter attendance policies for remote work. Trend of companies transitioning back to the office while maintaining a hybrid work arrangement. Speaker expresses gratitude to listeners returning to the office and asks for their support in rating the podcast.

Sep 4, 2023 • 17min
Fish & chips: British comfort food | Learn English expression 'sentimental value'
This podcast discusses the classic British comfort food, fish and chips, and its variations. It delves into the history of fish and chips as a working-class meal and its popularity in England during World War II. The podcast also explores the concept of 'sentimental value' and its significance in personal items, using Julia Child as an example. The hosts explain how sentimental value can be attributed to various items, including comfort foods like macaroni and cheese.

Aug 31, 2023 • 19min
Games, rides, and food at the State Fair | Learn English expression 'come home with'
Explore the history and significance of State Fairs, from their agricultural roots to becoming a vibrant statewide celebration. Discover the various competitions, shows, and indulgent fair food that make State Fairs a must-visit event. Also, learn about Kevin Costner's Golden Globe win and the expression 'come home with' in the context of awards and prizes.