
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

Jan 30, 2020 • 19min
Domino’s Pizza to open 850 stores in Italy | Learn the English phrase 'win over'
Domino’s announced plans to open 850 American pizza chain stores in the birthplace of pizza itself. While many people – including local Italians – doubt whether Domino's can succeed in Italy, the chain is hoping that a focus on delivery and customization to local tastes will be enough to win over the Italians. Plus, learn the English expression “win over.” 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/229 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 @PlainEnglishPod

Jan 27, 2020 • 19min
Prince Harry and Meghan step down from royal duties | Learn the English phrase 'work something out'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world and the rest of the Royal Family with their announcement to step down from their roles as senior royals. They are still negotiating the terms of their exit, but they want to be financially independent and create a “progressive new role” for themselves. Plus, learn the English expression “work something out.” 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/228 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 @PlainEnglishPod

Jan 23, 2020 • 19min
First things first: Japan debates a name change | Learn the English phrase 'bend to'
" Japan announced it is reversing the way Japanese names are written in English by putting the family name first, the same way they are written in Japanese. Many Japanese are in favor of this change, but some people worry that this change may be signaling a broader closing off of Japan from the rest of the world. Plus, learn the English expression “bend to.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/227 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 20, 2020 • 20min
Quest to care for animals in Australia | Learn the English phrase 'in the face of'
" The latest Australian wildfires are some of the most dangerous and destructive fires in recent history. The fires have already burned millions of acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and taken human lives. Humans are not the only victims – the fires have also wounded or killed thousands of animals, including rare species native to Australia. Plus, learn the English expression “in the face of.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/226 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 16, 2020 • 17min
Father of preventative medicine is still working at age 100 | Learn the English phrase 'play a part'
" Dr. Jeremiah Stamler is credited as the father of preventative medicine, and he is still working at 100 years old. Dr. Stamler spent his career researching how lifestyle adjustments and routine maintenance on your body can help you avoid chronic diseases. In part due to his research, death rates from chronic diseases have fallen drastically during his career. Plus, learn the English expression “play a part.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/225 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 13, 2020 • 18min
Former Renault-Nissan CEO escapes Japan | Learn the English phrase 'take a hit'
" Carlos Ghosn, former Renault-Nissan CEO, was awaiting trial in Japan for a number of white-collar crimes. Japanese officials kept delaying his trial, so Ghosn secretly fled Japan for Lebanon by private plane. Ghosn is not completely free quite yet. His past business dealings in Israel could pose legal problems for him in Lebanon, too. Plus, learn what it means for someone to ‘take a hit.’ Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/224 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 9, 2020 • 20min
Premium economy: more ‘economy’ than ‘premium’ | Learn the English phrase 'to come in handy'
" In between economy class (in the back) and business class (in the front), airlines have created a new class of service called ""premium economy."" This is aimed at travelers who will pay a little more for some extra space, but can't pay the sky-high prices of a full business class seat. In this episode, Jeff reviews his experience in premium economy: he finds that it's more ""economy"" than ""premium."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/223 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 6, 2020 • 20min
Is a supernova on the horizon? | Learn English expression 'ebb and flow'
" Betelgeuse, the star that represents the hunter's shoulder in the constellation Orion, is dimmer than it has been in almost 100 years. Stars of that type tend to become dimmer just before they explode in a supernova. If that happens, the explosion would be visible from earth and Orion would lose his shoulder. But it's not clear whether the star's current level of brightness signals a supernova is coming. Plus, learn the English expression ""ebb and flow."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/222 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Jan 2, 2020 • 17min
So long, Big Bird: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies | Learn phrasal verb 'cut back on'
" Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who played Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and other characters on television's ""Sesame Street"" died at age 85. For almost half a century, Spinney played the over-sized, six-year-old yellow canary that enchanted generations of children. He maneuvered the eight-foot-tall costume from inside, with the help of cables and a monitor strapped to his chest. Plus, learn what it means to ""cut back on"" something. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/221 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "

Dec 30, 2019 • 21min
Cookie announcements: the most annoying thing on the internet | Learn phrasal verb 'show up'
" Cookies, the little bits of text that are stored in web browsers that tell sites things about ourselves and our behaviors, have long been a part of the Internet. But new data privacy regulations have brought cookies front and center--literally. Now most sites ask consumers if they agree to having cookies placed on their browsers. Is that a win for data privacy or a useless annoyance to web visitors? Plus, learn the phrasal verb ""show up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/220 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗?日本語を話せますか? The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English the fun way: with a podcast in English! Listen to an American English podcast that you enjoy and understand -- all at a slower speed than normal. | 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. "