Plain English

Plain English
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Sep 8, 2022 • 23min

Part 1: the rise of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream | Learn the phrasal verb ‘come in’

" Ben & Jerry’s has always taken a unique approach to running its business. When they were acquired by Unilever, they made some unique demands, and Unilever accepted. The company is also known for taking progressive stands on social issues. But recently, their approach has gotten them into a bit of a sticky situation. Plus, learn “come 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/501 -- 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
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Sep 5, 2022 • 18min

Lesson 500: Jeff and JR's favorite places in Chicago

On this 500th episode, Jeff and JR talk about their favorite places in Chicago, including: Restaurants The lakefront Shedd aquarium Neighborhoods Field Museum History The beach Riverwalk Lincoln Park Zoo Breweries Art Institute Wrigley Field This lesson was live streamed on video. Watch the replay to get the full experience at PlainEnglish.com/500 (Our regular lesson format will return on Thursday.)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
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Sep 1, 2022 • 26min

Destination Chicago: the capital of the Midwest | Learn the English expression ‘wiped out’

[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States, and home to beautiful urban architecture, culture, and sports. If you like food, you’ll love Chicago. The city has its own signature pizza, hot dogs, and award-winning restaurants. It’s also where Plain English was born. Plus, learn “wiped 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/499 -- 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
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Aug 29, 2022 • 25min

Electric vehicles will soon be required to make more noise | Learn the English expression ‘walk by’

[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Electric vehicles promised to improve safety and reduce harmful CO2 emissions, but they’re also eerily quiet, which is causing safety problems for pedestrians and cyclists. Several countries now have regulations mandating that electric vehicles make noise with external speakers, but it’s up to the car companies to decide on the sound. Plus, learn “walk 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/498 -- 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
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Aug 25, 2022 • 22min

What it’s like to stare at a painting for a full hour | Learn the phrasal verb ‘run out’

[Countdown to #500] To celebrate our 500th lesson, we'll be live-streaming on Facebook and Instagram. It will be on September 3 at 9 am New York time. Make sure to connect with us there, so you can join the fun: Join the Facebook group Follow us on Instagram @plainenglishpod All the details of the big event are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3! On today's lesson: Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist that writes about productivity and time management and is author of “Four Thousand Weeks.” In the book, the author tells a story about a professor that challengers her students to go to a museum and look at a painting or a sculpture for three hours, so we did a modified version of that. Plus, learn “run 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/497 -- 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
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Aug 22, 2022 • 19min

Remembering Vin Scully, the voice of baseball | Learn the English phrasal verb ‘treat someone to’

[Countdown to #500] We're getting ready to celebrate Lesson #500! We'll be live-streaming the 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! On today's lesson: Vin Scully was what baseball sounded like for over six decades. He landed a job as a Dodgers baseball announcer shortly after graduating college and stayed on with the team for 67 years until he retired in 2016. Vin Scully recently died, so this lesson is all about remembering his life’s work as a broadcaster. Plus, learn “treat someone to.” -- 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/496 -- 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
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Aug 18, 2022 • 22min

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 @PlainEnglishPodMentioned 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
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Aug 15, 2022 • 25min

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 "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
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Aug 11, 2022 • 24min

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 "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
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Aug 8, 2022 • 25min

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 "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

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