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
Apr 6, 2020 • 21min
Developing world on the brink of coronavirus impact | Learn the English expression “by and large”
If you thought the coronavirus was bad in the rich world, it could be many, many times worse in the developing world. Flattening the curve will be a much greater challenge in areas without running water for hand washing, and where the choice between quarantine and work may also mean the choice between starving and putting food on the family table. Plus, learn the English expression “by and large.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/248 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Apr 2, 2020 • 27min
Guyana is bracing for an oil boom | Learn the English phrase “on par with”
There’s a new oil producer on the block. Guyana, a tiny nation of less than a million people, and the third-poorest nation in South America, just discovered oil reserves off its coast. Guyana is on the cusp of a critical national decision, one that may determine whether the oil will bring its citizens fortune or misfortune. Plus, learn the English phrase “on par with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/247 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 30, 2020 • 24min
How to stay sane in quarantine | Learn the English expression “for the time being”
Millions of people worldwide are adjusting to life under quarantine. While everyone’s day-to-day might look different depending on where you are in the world, we’re sharing some universal tips from experts on how to maintain your balance and prioritize your mental health during this time of uncertainty and social distancing. Plus, learn the English expression “for the time being.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/246 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 26, 2020 • 23min
Coronavirus pandemic halts entertainment industry | Learn the phrasal verb "come into contact"
Stadiums are empty. Sports channels have no events to cover. Cruise ships are docked. Broadway is dark. Movie sets are quiet. The entertainment industry came to a halt to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. I guess it's time to catch up on your Netflix shows and documentaries. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “come into contact.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/245 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 23, 2020 • 22min
Italy starts life under lockdown to slow coronavirus | Learn the English phrase “out and about”
Italy is the first nation to impose a nationwide quarantine in an attempt to contain the coronavirus. The Italian government imposed serious constraints, including restricted travel, social guidelines, and all businesses were ordered shut. The lockdown will undoubtedly have a major impact on Italy’s already-fragile economy. Plus, learn the English phrase “out and about.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/244 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 20, 2020 • 21min
Pablo Escobar’s former hippo herd is threatening Colombia | Learn the English phrase “to give rise to"
In the 1980s, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar imported four hippos from Africa for his private zoo. After Escobar’s death, the hippos were too big and expensive to move and were left to roam and reproduce. Now, the Colombian hippo herd count is at 80 and counting, which is posing serious problems for the local environment and population. Plus, learn the English phrase “to give rise to.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/243 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 16, 2020 • 24min
America’s former vice president is back from the dead | Learn the phrasal verb 'write off'
After a disastrous start to the Democratic primaries, former vice president, Joe Biden, completed one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent memory. It’s now a two-man race with Senator, Bernie Sanders, for the Democratic nomination to take on Donald Trump in the November presidential election. Plus, learn the phrasal verb to “write off.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/242 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 12, 2020 • 22min
Swarms of locusts endanger East Africa's food supply | Learn the English phrase 'know-how'
In today's episode, we review the latest news on five previous topics: Hong Kong, the yellow vest protesters, Alex Trebek, Boeing, and Trump's challengers.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
Mar 9, 2020 • 22min
Should governments allow safe-injection sites for drug users? | Learn the English phrase 'grapple with'
Safe-injection sites are places where individuals can bring their own drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, and take them with clean needles under supervision of trained medical personnel. Although this progressive model has been successful in Europe and Canada, the first US city that attempted to open a safe-injection site was met with strong opposition from the surrounding community. Plus, learn the English phrase “grapple with.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/240 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
Mar 5, 2020 • 20min
Scientists discover a new ‘ghost’ ancestor from human DNA | Learn the English phrase 'for the most part'
By analyzing the DNA of living men and women in today’s West Africa, scientists have discovered a new branch of humanity. Until recently, our knowledge of human lineage came primarily from the study of fossils, but with rapid advances in understanding DNA and the human genome, scientists are beginning to make discoveries without physical fossil evidence. Plus, learn the English phrase “for the most part.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons, episode transcripts with translations, flashcards on Quizlet, a fast version of every new episode, and more! Learn more at PlainEnglish.com/Plus. See a full, free transcript and all episode resources for this episode at: https://www.plainenglish.com/239 Join our e-mail community for free English learning tips, extra vocabulary words, and links to English articles about your favorite Plain English topics. It’s free! Join at PlainEnglish.com/Mail Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso. 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
