
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

May 11, 2023 • 22min
'Phantom of the Opera' closes on Broadway after 35 years | Learn English expression 'set the stage'
" ""The Phantom of the Opera"" played its final show at the Majestic Theater in New York, ending its 35-year run on Broadway. The story is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber made it legendary with the musical adaptation, which has been performed in 182 cities in 17 languages. Plus, learn the English expression ""set the stage."" -- 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/571 -- 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 "

May 8, 2023 • 21min
Pickleball: the newest outdoor craze | Learn English expression 'backed by'
" Pickleball is a family-oriented paddle sport played on a hard surface with low net. Fans like it because it's easy to learn and easy to play. But this very social sport makes a lot of noise, angering neighbors. And don't get the tennis players started. Plus, learn the English expression ""backed by."" -- 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/570 -- 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 "

May 4, 2023 • 23min
New Orleans: music, parties, and lots of good food | Learn English phrasal verb 'wind through'
" New Orleans, Louisiana, is a mixture of unique cuisines and cultures. Located where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city suffered a devastating hurricane in 2005. But it recovered and the city's tourism industry, including its famed Bourbon Street, is as strong as ever. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""wind through."" -- 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/569 -- 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 "

May 1, 2023 • 20min
India is now the world's biggest country by population | Learn English phrase 'headed in'
" India has passed China to become the world's most populous country, according to U.N. population projections. About 1.4 billion people live in both, but India's population will continue to grow into the 2060s, projections show. In this lesson, you'll learn more about what is now the world's biggest country by population. Plus, learn the English expression ""headed 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/568 -- 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 "

Apr 27, 2023 • 23min
Chick-fil-A, popular fast-food chain, to expand internationally | Learn expression 'stay in your lane'
Follow us on Instagram and check out our Stories for more ways to interact with Plain English: @plainenglishpod Think of American fast food and names like McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and KFC come to mind. But Chick-fil-A, a chain focused on chicken, has recently become the third-biggest chain by total sales. And after stumbling once, it's ready to expand internationally. The chain plans to open stores in Europe and Asia. Plus, learn English expression ""stay in your lane."" -- 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/567 -- 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 "

Apr 24, 2023 • 24min
What to know about Trump's indictment | Learn English phrasal verb 'drag on'
Follow us on Instagram and check out our Stories for more ways to interact with Plain English: @plainenglishpod Donald Trump has been charged in New York with falsifying business records, marking the first time that an American president has been indicted. But prosecutors face serious challenges in this case. The legal theory is untested, the charges go back more than five years, and the main witness is problematic. Other charges against Trump are on more solid footing. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""drag on."" -- 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/566 -- 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 "

Apr 20, 2023 • 22min
Updates on Chile, hippos, TikTok and more | Learn English expression 'with a straight face'
Connect with Plain English on Instagram: @plainenglishpod Leave a like by the content you enjoy & we'll make more of it in the future. We talk about a lot of topics at Plain English, and today we're getting up to speed on several topics we've discussed before. The topics cover politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and a new home for some heavy hippos. Plus, learn the English expression ""with a straight face."" -- 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/565 -- 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 "

Apr 17, 2023 • 21min
The ozone layer is repairing itself | Learn phrasal verb 'thin out'
Connect with Plain English on Instagram: @plainenglishpod Leave a like by the content you enjoy & we'll make more of it in the future. The ozone layer, a part of the stratosphere that deflects the sun's harmful UV rays, was in danger of disappearing due to industrial and consumer chemicals. But a global treaty signed in Montreal reversed the damage. Now, a new report says the ozone layer is on track to fully repair itself by the 2060s. Plus, learn the English expression ""thin out."" -- 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/564 -- 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 "

Apr 13, 2023 • 18min
Mass of seaweed heading for Caribbean beaches | Learn English phrase 'wash up'
**New: Another great way to engage with Plain English is on Instagram! Find us @plainenglishpod Sargassum is a type of seaweed that floats on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. It provides nutrients, shade, and shelter for marine life. But when there's too much of it, it washes up on beaches in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. And that's a major problem for beachgoers and hotel owners. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""wash up."" -- 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/563 -- 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 "

Apr 10, 2023 • 22min
Banking confidence shaken after series of failures | Learn English expression 'herd mentality'
**New: Another great way to engage with Plain English is on Instagram! Find us @plainenglishpod Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse, and a handful of smaller banks closed after confidence in the banking system was shaken in March. Silicon Valley Bank suffered a run triggered by its bonds, while Credit Suisse was absorbed by its rival UBS after years of unrelated problems. Plus, learn the English expression ""herd mentality."" -- 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/562 -- 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 "