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Plain English

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
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Top 10 Plain English Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Plain English episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Plain English for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Plain English episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

A series of three large earthquakes hit Mexico in the last month, including the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over a century.

The new features of the iPhone X are impressive, including what is possibly the newest word in the English language, “animoji.”

In the second half of the program, we review examples of the English phrases “bundled up” and “comb through.”

  • PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word.
  • FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen.
  • Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail
  • ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio.
  • ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod)
  • USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show.
  • Questions? Email me! [email protected]

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

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

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"

Diamond rings, bracelets, and earrings have a timeless beauty. They are in high demand, but they're expensive. But now a combination of forces may help bring prices down. The most surprising? New lab-grown diamonds can cost 80 percent less than a traditionally-mined stone.

--

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/617

-- 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 [email protected] | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod

"

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

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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The Vegas Golden Knights, a hockey team, became the first major league sports team to call Las Vegas home. Tom Petty, one of the most well-known rock and roll musicians, died at the age of 66. In the second half of the program, we review the English expressions “make a splash” and “take refuge.”

  • PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word.
  • FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen.
  • Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail
  • ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio.
  • ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod)
  • USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show.
  • Questions? Email me! [email protected]

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

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

1 Listener

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500 lessons is a lot of work! While you only hear my voice, there is a huge team behind Plain English. Here are the amazing people who make it happen.

Follow @profe.coty on Instagram if you speak Spanish!

Remember to join us on September 3 for the live stream!

You can view the stream on Instagram and Facebook:


*NEW* We will be setting up a YouTube link if you prefer watching there. I'll post to our social media accounts and send an e-mail when the link is ready.

Then, log in on Saturday, September 3 at 8 am Chicago time. Here are the other time zones around the world:

  • Chicago / Mexico City: 8:00 a.m.
  • 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.

See you there!

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

Try out the full Plain English experience

Curious what the full Plain English experience is like? With our free sample lessons, you can try out the fast audio, built-in translations, workshops, quizzes, exercises, and more. This page explains it all: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/ Check it out and see exactly how you can upgrade your English with Plain English!

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"

""Barbie"" has grossed over $1 billion at the box office--not a bad debut for Mattel, a toymaker that had never made a feature film before. Now, Mattel has plans to release movies based on American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, and other well-known characters and brands (including Uno, the card game).

--

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/600

-- 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 [email protected] | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod

"

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

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

1 Listener

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1 Comment

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"

We take a look at the flags of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Union Jack (Britain's flag) has heavy influence on the flags of Australia and New Zealand, and lends its colors to America's flag. But just wait until you hear the one we think is best.

--

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/601

-- 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 [email protected] | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod

"

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

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

1 Listener

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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:

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

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

1 Listener

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Catalonia’s leaders make a bid for independence, but regional president Carles Puigdemont is arrested. The Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time in their franchise history. In the second half of the program, we review the English expressions “stop short” and “a stretch.”

  • PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word.
  • FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen.
  • Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail
  • ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio.
  • ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod)
  • USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show.
  • Questions? Email me! [email protected]

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

Free Sample Lessons

Check out the free sample lessons by following this link: https://plainenglish.com/free-sample/

1 Listener

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Plain English - Learn English free with podcasts: Plain English
play

10/01/17 • 2 min

Would you like to speak English better? Do you have a hard time understanding native speakers because they go too fast? Do you want to learn English expressions and practice with phrasal verbs? If so, then you are in the right place.

Plain English is a free slower-speed podcast for people learning English. Each lesson includes a discussion about an interesting topic and an explanation of one English word or phrase.

Come join Jeff and JR every Monday and Thursday for new episodes of Plain English. Click "subscribe" to get the newest episodes downloaded to your phone automatically.

For even more free English resources, sign up to get our e-mail updates at PlainEnglish.com/mail

By joining our free e-mail list, you'll get:

  • An explanation of an additional word or phrase from every episode (over 100 per year!)
  • Links to English-language articles about the main topic (test your understanding!)
  • A summary of the new episode

Want to learn more? Check out our home page at PlainEnglish.com

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Today's story: The American vice president's primary function is to be available in case a president can't continue in office. Besides that, the VP is the ceremonial leader of the Senate, the upper house of the legislature. In the case of a tie vote in the Senate, the VP breaks the tie. With few formal duties, ""veeps"" try to have influence as advisors and to help where they can.

Learn this English expression: 'On the same page' means sharing the same understanding or working together in synch.

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/717

--

Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn to express your best ideas

Stop feeling "stuck" in English and learn to express your best ideas. The Toolkit at PlainEnglish.com helps you connect your thoughts and express more complex ideas. Each Toolkit workshop contains a video, exercises, and opportunities to practice. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

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FAQ

How many episodes does Plain English have?

Plain English currently has 755 episodes available.

What topics does Plain English cover?

The podcast is about Language Learning, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on Plain English?

The episode title 'Mexico hit with 3 big earthquakes | Apple’s new iPhone X | English expressions "bundled up" and "comb through"' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Plain English?

The average episode length on Plain English is 22 minutes.

How often are episodes of Plain English released?

Episodes of Plain English are typically released every 3 days.

When was the first episode of Plain English?

The first episode of Plain English was released on Oct 1, 2017.

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