

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

Sep 14, 2023 • 24min
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 "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

Sep 11, 2023 • 25min
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 "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

Sep 7, 2023 • 22min
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 • 19min
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 • 21min
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.

Aug 28, 2023 • 22min
The Minors: small towns and the quest for baseball fame | Learn English phrasal verb 'weed out'
The podcast discusses the significance of minor league baseball in small towns and the opportunities it provides for young players. It also explores the meaning and application of the phrasal verb 'weed out' in the context of eliminating undesired candidates. The process of eliminating players in minor league baseball is compared to the selection process for game show contestants. The episode also previews upcoming episodes on small town American summers and agricultural fairs.

Aug 24, 2023 • 17min
Flags in the English-speaking world | Learn English expression 'in use'
Explore the flags of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Discover how the Union Jack influences Australia and New Zealand's flags. Learn about the designs and symbolism of different English-speaking countries' flags. Discuss the unique flag of Nepal and the English expression 'in use'. Get a preview of the next episode on minor league baseball.

Aug 21, 2023 • 20min
'Barbie' was just the beginning | Learn English phrase 'get off the ground'
Mattel's plans to release movies based on popular toy brands like American Girl, Barney, and Hot Wheels. The concept of 'getting off the ground' and turning ideas into reality. Discussion on a recent sports win and announcement of a summer break.

Aug 17, 2023 • 24min
Wine thief swipes bottles worth $600K | Learn English expression 'make off with'
A thief stole $600k worth of rare wines in a daring robbery. They discuss the English expression 'make off with' and share personal anecdotes about stealing and buying their first CD. The chapter also explores other art and office equipment thefts.

Aug 14, 2023 • 25min
Tony Bennett bridged musical generations | Learn English idiom 'fall apart'
" Tony Bennett's career peaked before the age of rock-and-roll. When new stars burst onto the scene, it seemed like his style of music belonged to the past. But he reinvented his career and brought his authentic style to new generations. He became an ambassador of the older songs he grew up singing and formed a late-in-life artistic partnership with Lady Gaga. Plus, learn the English idiom ""fall apart."" -- 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/598 -- 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