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
Jul 23, 2018 • 18min
Kitchen robots can now prepare your meals from scratch | Learn English phrase, ‘brace yourself’
Several companies are developing robots to automatically prepare restaurant meals. One California restaurant has a machine that makes a burger start-to-finish without any human interaction; a startup in London says its robot can mimic a master chef at work and prepare any one of 2,000 recipes. Automation may drive down costs and increase speed at so-called “fast casual” restaurants. Learn the English phrase, “brace yourself.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/70 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 20, 2018 • 17min
Movement growing to eliminate plastic straws | Learn English phrase ‘gathering steam’
The movement to eliminate plastic straws is spreading: the UK government plans to ban them and Starbucks has already announced it will re-design its cold-drinks lids to go straw-less. Straws can stay intact in the environment for up to 200 years. But will giving up straws really help the environment? Plus, learn the English phrase “gathering steam.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/69 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 18, 2018 • 18min
AMLO landslide as Mexico votes for change | Learn English phrase ‘strike a chord’
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a populist leader who twice lost presidential races in Mexico, swept to a landslide victory July 1 as Mexicans overwhelmingly backed his message of change. AMLO, as he is known, promised to reduce poverty, end corruption, and get the country’s violence under control. He takes office in December. Learn the English expression “strike a chord.”Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/68 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 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.comIf 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! 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.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
Jul 16, 2018 • 16min
Second World Cup trophy for France as Croatia falls short in the final
In a high-scoring and at times odd final, France defeated Croatia 4-2 to win its second World Cup in history, putting an end to Croatia’s improbable and dramatic rise. Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic scored at both ends of the field, Video Assistant Review figured in a controversial handball penalty, the game was threatened by lightning, and a fan ran out onto the field. France persevered and brought home a World Cup trophy. Its coach, Didier Deschamps, is the third man to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/67 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 13, 2018 • 21min
Daring underwater rescue of Thai soccer team trapped in a cave | Learn English phrasal verb ‘fill up’
Twelve boys and their 25-year-old soccer coach were rescued from a cave in northern Thailand after floodwaters stranded them on a ledge for 18 days. The group was trapped in a cave after monsoon rains flooded the passageways. After 10 days stranded with no food or water, a team of rescue divers found them—and the search for an escape route began. In the end, the boys were evacuated by teams of expert divers who helped them navigate the dark and treacherous cave system with scuba gear. On today’s episode, learn the English phrase “fill up.”Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/66 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 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.comIf 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! 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.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
Jul 11, 2018 • 16min
Saudi women are finally allowed to drive | Learn English phrasal verb ‘put on’
As part of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s Vision 2030, the government of Saudi Arabia began issuing driver’s licenses to women. Women across the country were celebrating their new freedom, and some sat in the driver’s seat of a car for the first time. But not everyone is celebrating: some think the right to drive should be just the beginning of new women’s rights, while others are not comfortable with the idea of women on the road. Today you’ll learn the English phrasal verb “put on.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/65 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 9, 2018 • 17min
Belgium, England look strong ahead of all-Europe semifinals | Learn English expression ‘on the line’
The final four teams are set: they are France and Belgium, who face off on Tuesday, and Croatia and England, who play on Wednesday. Belgium’s golden generation is hitting is prime right in time to make a big move this year, while France’s are exceeding expectations. Croatia’s goalie may have injured his hamstring in the game against Russia, potentially giving England an advantage in the finals. Learn the English expression “on the line.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/64 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 6, 2018 • 18min
Venezuela is facing a slow-motion societal collapse | Learn English phrase ‘in the face of’
Venezuela is facing a slow-motion societal collapse, as shortages of food, medicine and electricity plague the country; cities are overrun by violence and looting; and the country’s government has slid into authoritarianism. Despite it all, some organizations are doing their best to relieve the suffering. Learn how to use the English expression “in the face of.” NBC News Video: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/how-one-miami-woman-is-bringing-relief-to-children-caught-in-venezuela-s-hunger-crisis-927481411987 Fundrise Page: Comparte Por Una Vida: https://www.gofundme.com/comparteporunavida/ How to help: Comparte Por Una Vida: https://comparteporunavida.com/v2/como-ayudar/ Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/63 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 4, 2018 • 16min
Americans celebrate Independence Day today | Learn phrasal verb ‘go off’
Happy Fourth of July! Americans celebrate their nation’s birthday by having parades, watching fireworks displays, setting off their own fireworks, and watching the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Though US independence was declared on July 4, the actual vote to become an independent nation was two days earlier, on July 2. At the end of the program, learn the English phrasal verb “go off.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/62 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 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 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! 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.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
Jul 2, 2018 • 16min
Messi, Ronaldo out; Spain falls in knockout action | Learn phrasal verb ‘shape up’
Two soccer powerhouses fell in their first games in the knockout round of the world cup as Portugal and Argentina fell to Uruguay and France. Russia stunned Spain with a penalty-shot victory in Moscow. Brazil faces Mexico today: will Mexico finally beat the five-time champion? Plus, learn the phrasal verb shape up. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/61 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 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 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! 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.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
