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
Nov 2, 2020 • 19min
Five things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit: part 1 | Learn the phrasal verb ‘stick with’
" Pumpkins are a staple in American fall traditions, activities, and recipes. In the first of our two lesson on pumpkins, we’re talking about two things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit: you can pick them and carve them. If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, this lesson is for you. Plus, learn what it means to “stick with” 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/308 -- 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 "
Oct 29, 2020 • 20min
Foods you should never order for delivery | Learn the English expression ‘hit or miss’
" The pandemic has made food delivery more popular than ever. We’re sharing the inside scoop on the foods and factors that are ideal for delivery – and those that aren’t. Hopefully, you’ll never be disappointed with an order of soggy fries again. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- 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/307 -- 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 "
Oct 26, 2020 • 20min
Rafael Nadal is officially the King of Clay | Learn the English expression ‘wreak havoc’
" Rafael Nadal won the twentieth Grand Slam title of his career at the French Open, tying Roger Federer’s record. Like usual, the tennis tournament was played on Paris’s famous red clay courts. But like most things in 2020, this year’s tournament was far from normal. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- 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/306 -- 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 "
Oct 22, 2020 • 18min
The brilliant colors and business of fall foliage | Learn the phrasal verb ‘roll around’
" At this point, people are taking any excuse to pack their bags and head out of cities, and right now is prime time for fall foliage and “foliage tourism” across North America. Some places even depend on the vibrant and varied colors of fall for the majority of their tourism revenues. Plus, learn what “leaf peepers” are and the phrasal verb “roll around.” -- 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/305 -- 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 "
Oct 19, 2020 • 19min
Uruguay is open for business (and new residents!) | Learn the English expression ‘fed up’
" Uruguay might be the only country in the world that is currently welcoming foreigners with open arms. The tiny country of 3.5 million is trying to attract 200,000 new residents. For what Uruguay lacks in flare, it makes up for in stability – which might be exactly what people want most right now. Plus, learn the English expression “fed 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/304 -- 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 "
Oct 15, 2020 • 23min
The multiplying danger of junk in space | Learn what a ‘close call’ is
" Did you know there are hundreds of thousands of man-made objects circling our planet? The objects are also multiplying: they collide into each other and split into smaller pieces. Scientists around the world are trying to figure out how to harness the objects from space and bring them back down to earth, but there isn’t a proven method yet. Plus, learn what a “close call” is. -- 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/303 -- 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 "
Oct 12, 2020 • 19min
The world’s largest annual party has been canceled | Learn the expression ‘keep your options open’
" It’s all fun and games until all the fun and games are canceled. In the latest in pandemic-related cancelations, Rio’s carnival parade has been postponed indefinitely. Vendors that rely on the carnival for most of their annual income are grappling with the announcement. Plus, learn what it means to “keep your options open.” -- 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/302 -- 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 "
Oct 8, 2020 • 17min
Update: Alexei Navalny, scooters, sports, drinks, and the vaccine | Learn the phrasal verb to ‘break down’
" Today, we are revisiting five previous episode topics: Alexei Navalny was poisoned; e-scooters and micromobility are making a comeback in the pandemic era; a new zero-alcohol drink was released; progress in the return to pro sports; and an update on the race for a Covid-19 vaccine. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “to break down.” -- 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/301 -- 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 "
Oct 6, 2020 • 8min
JR's Top 5 Lessons in Plain English history
JR shares with you his Top 5 favorite lessons. Plus: a special message from Plain English listeners. Links to JR's favorite lessons: Lesson #160: Urban Outfitters wants to bring the sharing economy to your wardrobe with clothing rentals Lesson #130: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a Singapore showcase with a great soundtrack Lesson #41: DJ Avicii found dead at 28; EDM star retired from tour after hits ‘Wake Me Up’ and ‘Levels’ Lesson #7: Disney’s ‘Coco’ is a hit in Mexico and the US; Britain’s Prince Harry is engaged Lesson #162: Live in concert: Whitney Houston — or, her hologram anyway What were your favorite lessons? Come tell us in our free Facebook group. Ready to go deeper with Plain English? Consider joining Plain English Plus+.
Oct 5, 2020 • 21min
Live music as we know it could be over | Learn the English expression ‘weather the storm’
" The live music industry is in trouble. Their business model isn’t exactly pandemic-friendly: they rely on packing as many people into a small indoor space as possible. Live music venues were among the first to close, and they will be the last to reopen – if they’re able to reopen at all. Plus, learn what it means to “weather the storm.” -- 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/300 -- 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 "
