
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

Aug 22, 2022 • 10min
[Countdown to 500] What does 'Plain English' mean?
In this "behind-the-scenes" episode, Jeff shares what the term "Plain English" means and why he chose that as the name for this business. Today's episode is a special bonus as we prepare for our milestone 500th lesson on September 3. Here are three ways you can help celebrate: #1 - Record a video, telling us what you like about Plain English #2 - Enter the giveaway for a chance to win great prizes. #3 - Mark your calendars for the live stream on September 3 All the details are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3!

Aug 18, 2022 • 21min
How did monkeypox become a public health crisis? | Learn the English expression ‘clamor for’
COUNTDOWN TO 500: Are you ready to help celebrate our 500th lesson? Here are 4 ways to get involved: Record a video - Help us celebrate by telling us about your Plain English experience Enter the giveaway - You'll get multiple chances to win great prizes, including free Plus memberships Follow us on Instagram or join our Facebook group so you can be ready to watch the live stream on September 3 Mark your calendar for the live stream on Sept 3. On today's lesson: Monkeypox is a disease that first emerged in humans in Africa in 1970, but the current outbreak is spreading rapidly across Europe and the Americas. It can be spread through physical contact and respiratory droplets. Sound a little too familiar? There is a vaccine being used to fight it, but there is far more demand than supply right now. Plus, learn “clamor for.” -- 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/495 -- 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

Aug 15, 2022 • 23min
Will healthcare be the next industry Amazon revolutionizes? | Learn the English expression ‘time will tell’
" Amazon is acquiring One Medical, a popular network of doctors’ office in the United States. One Medical takes a modern, hybrid approach to primary care by offering a blend of the in-office experience with technology for added patient convenience and accessibility. Some critics are worried that Amazon is only interested in the medical data. Plus, learn “time will tell.” -- 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/494 -- 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 "

Aug 11, 2022 • 22min
Webb telescope’s long journey to launch | Learn the English expression ‘a crack at’
" The James Webb telescope is already sending back breathtaking images from space, but it apparently wasn’t easy getting the telescope up and running. The project hit several bumps along the way, which resulted in it being years late and billions of dollars over budget. Plus, learn what it means to take “a crack at” 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/493 -- 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 "

Aug 8, 2022 • 23min
Asian carp or copi? An ugly fish gets a tasty rebrand | Learn the English expression ‘overrun with’
" Asian carp were first introduced in the United States in the 1970s as a solution to a growing algae problem. Now, the species has created more problems than they’ve solved. As the invasive fish continues to march northward, Americans are trying to eat their way out of the problem. Plus, learn “overrun with.” -- 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/492 -- 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 "

Aug 4, 2022 • 23min
James Webb telescope is like a time machine | Learn the phrasal verb ‘turn over’
" The James Webb Space Telescope launched in December 2021, and just seven months later, it has sent its first images from deep in space back to Earth. This has been a project twenty years in the making, and the telescope will help build a better understanding of the universe, its creation, and what it contains now. Plus, learn “turn over.” -- 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/491 -- 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 "

Aug 1, 2022 • 22min
The Elon Musk v. Twitter saga | Learn the phrasal verb ‘side with’
" Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has gone back-and-forth about buying Twitter over the past few months. They finally came to an agreement for Musk to buy the company, but then the stock market tanked and now Musk wants out. A state court will decide whether he has to go through with the deal. Plus, learn “side with.” -- 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/490 -- 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 "

Jul 28, 2022 • 25min
Boris Johnson era is coming to an end | Learn the phrasal verb ‘go after’
[Free workshop] Don't miss our free Active Learning workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active In the workshop, you'll learn: The difference between active and passive learning How to be an active learner in English How Plain English can help you be more active See it all at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: Boris Johnson stepped down as leader of Britain’s Conservative Party after three years leading the U.K. government. His tenure has had many challenges, including negotiating Brexit, leading the country through COVID-19, and supporting the war in Ukraine. But he’s also had his fair share of scandals. Plus, learn “go after.” -- 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/489 -- 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 "

Jul 25, 2022 • 23min
21 teenagers died at a South African nightclub, and nobody knows why | Learn the English expression ‘pass out’
" Twenty-one teenagers were tragically found dead in a South African nightclub after they were out celebrating the end of the school term. One survivor said she smelled a bad odor in the nightclub, but weeks later, authorities still do not know for sure what happened. Plus, learn “pass 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/488 -- 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 "

Jul 21, 2022 • 20min
California dreamin': kids can snooze their alarm clocks | Learn the phrasal verb ‘stay up' | Active learning workshop
[Free Workshop]: Make faster progress in English by being an active learner. See a preview of our free workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: A new California law mandates that high schools start the school day no earlier than 8:30 AM and middle schools no earlier than 8:00 AM. This is in an effort to work with teenagers’ biological clocks that naturally tell them to sleep around 11 and wake up around 8. But how will this work logistically? Plus, learn “stay 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/487 -- 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 "