Plain English
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 23, 2023 • 23min
The latest on Threads, X, Wagner, Trump and more | Learn English phrasal verb 'settle down'
" It's time to take a look back and learn the latest on several topics we've talked about in Plain English recently, including ChatGPT, Netflix, Threads, Donald Trump's legal woes, and more. -- 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/618 -- 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 "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Oct 19, 2023 • 22min
Is a lab-grown diamond as good as the real thing? | Learn English word 'intangibles'
Lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular and more affordable alternative to natural diamonds, posing a threat to the high prices of traditional diamonds. The podcast also covers the ethical concerns in the diamond industry and explores the concept of 'intangibles' in relation to lab-grown diamonds and personal success.
Oct 16, 2023 • 20min
Is this the largest animal ever? | Learn English expression 'come as a surprise'
Scientists discovered fossils of a massive whale in Peru, challenging our understanding of whale evolution. The whale, estimated to weigh between 93 and 340 tons, lived 37 million years ago. The discovery raises questions about the largest animal ever and how whales evolved. The podcast also discusses the English expression 'come as a surprise' and provides additional resources for learning.
Oct 12, 2023 • 21min
Kidfluencers: big money in a legal grey area | Learn English expression 'on the backs of'
" Child social media influencers--or 'kidfluencers'--can make big money online. But they do so in a legal grey area, where there are few or no rules about who get to keep the money. In addition, there are often no protections on how many hours child influencers work and whether they have any rights to privacy. -- 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/615 -- 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 "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Oct 9, 2023 • 23min
The kiss that shook Spanish soccer | Learn English phrasal verb 'pile on'
" The Spanish national team won the women's World Cup in Australia earlier this year. But the stunning victory was quickly overshadowed by a controversy. The head of the Spanish soccer federation kissed a player on the lips during the medal ceremony after the final game. And now the players are refusing to take the field until Spain makes changes. -- 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/614 -- 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 "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Oct 5, 2023 • 22min
Life in Mexico: One year later | Learn English phrasal verb 'on hand'
" There are many similarities between Mexico and the U.S., but there are also some differences that become clear only after living in another place. Today, learn about some small differences in daily life between the two countries. -- 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/613 -- 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 "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Oct 2, 2023 • 23min
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 • 25min
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 • 25min
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 • 23min
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.
