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
Jul 6, 2023 • 22min
Comic Sans: the font we love to hate | Learn English expression 'play a role in'
" Comic Sans is a typeface that was designed to be used in cartoon quote bubbles and in other childlike, informal situations. But since the font was included in an early version of Windows, it has been used in situations that are far from what its designer intended--often in tragic or hilarious ways. Plus, learn what it means to ""play a role in"" something. -- 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/587 -- 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
Jul 3, 2023 • 20min
'The Morning Show': a serious drama with a star-studded cast | Learn phrasal verb 'star in'
" ""The Morning Show"" on Apple TV+ is about morning network news, a light-hearted way to start your day. But the show is anything but fluffy: it's a serious drama with a star-studded cast. The show deals with cutthroat media competition, sexual misconduct, the onset of COVID-19 and more. Plus, learn the English expression ""star in."" -- 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/586 -- 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
Jun 29, 2023 • 23min
Fish farming moves to dry land | Learn English expression 'put to use'
" Global fish consumption is rising, but natural fisheries have reached their capacity. Fish farming is typically done in oceans and rivers, near where fish normally grow. However, new methods allow farmers to raise salmon and other high-value fish in tanks in warehouses--often far from oceans or rivers. It's also more environmentally-friendly. Plus, learn the English expression ""put to use. "" -- 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/585 -- 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
Jun 26, 2023 • 23min
Colombian kids rescued after surviving Amazon plane crash | Learn English expression 'no trace'
The Colombian military announced the dramatic rescue of four children who survived alone in the Amazon jungle after their plane crashed on May 1. All adults onboard died in the crash. When rescue teams arrived, there was no sign of the children, leading to a dramatic manhunt to find the surviving kids. They were found alive on June 8, 40 days after the crash. -- 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/584 -- 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
4 snips
Jun 22, 2023 • 23min
The hot new trend is an ice-cold bath | Learn English expression 'if all else fails'
" Cold plunges are the new health trend championed by high-fliers and ordinary people alike. By submerging yourself water that's 15 degrees Celsius (or colder!), you can manage stress, reduce muscle soreness, improve your concentration, and more, advocates say. Plus, learn the English expression ""if all else fails."" -- 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/583 -- 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
4 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 24min
What it's like in a low-security federal prison | Learn English expression 'serve time'
Elizabeth Holmes was a young self-made billionaire entrepreneur until her company was revealed to be a fraud. Now, she's about to serve 11 years in a minimum-security prison. Here's what the facilities are like and how she'll spend her days. Plus, learn the English expression ""serve time." -- 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/582 -- 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
Jun 15, 2023 • 25min
Kia and Hyundai thefts affect more than just owners | Learn English expression 'spend time'
" Thousands of Kia and Hyundai cars are stolen every month in the United States. And while that's distressing and expensive for car owners, many more people are affected. Law enforcement, insurance companies, and repair shops are all scrambling to respond to the increase in crime inspired by TikTok and YouTube videos. Plus, learn the English expression ""spend time."" -- 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/581 -- 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
Jun 12, 2023 • 24min
Why Kia and Hyundai cars keep getting stolen | Learn English expression 'cut corners'
" Thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars have plagued American cities after TikTok and YouTube videos showed just how easy it is to steal them. Certain models sold in the U.S. can be stolen in just 30 seconds with a USB cord--and nothing else. It can be traced to one fateful decision by the carmakers. Plus, learn the English expression ""cut corners."" -- 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/580 -- 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
Jun 8, 2023 • 23min
Streamers plan price increases, content cuts, and more | Learn English expression 'all of a sudden'
" Streaming giants of all kinds have spent lavishly on expensive new productions and large content libraries, hoping to win new customers. But the services have often lost money and investors are growing impatient. As streamers focus on profitability, consumes are set to lose out. Plus, learn the English expression ""all of a sudden."" -- 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/579 -- 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
Jun 5, 2023 • 25min
Big-budget streamers changed our TV habits | Learn English expression 'big deal'
" Television changed forever when streaming services like Netflix started producing more (and better) series. Today, we look at three categories of streamers and why they're spending so much. On Thursday, we'll talk about why the age of big spending on series may be about to end. Plus, learn the English expression ""big deal."" -- 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/578 -- 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
