x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Plain English

Jeff at Plain English

Improve your English and learn about the world at the same time. Plain English brings you short, modern stories about culture, science, travel, business, and everyday life, all told in clear, natural English designed for learners. You’ll grow your vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and build your confidence one episode at a time. Like the show? Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com and get a personalized learning path.

education language learning

All Episodes

17:21

English words borrowed from French

Plain English ·

2025/02/17

Today's story: Many English words come from French, but some, like fiancé, façade, and résumé, keep their original spellings, accents, and even gendered forms. To make things even more confusing, some of these words don't mean the same thing in French and English.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/750--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

en

14:19

Notre Dame reopens after six years of restoration

Plain English ·

2025/02/13

Today's story: Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral was nearly destroyed in a devastating fire in 2019. In the years since, thousands of artisans and specialists worked to restore the 850-year-old cathedral. The roof was rebuilt using oak from French forests. The massive pipe organ was disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. The limestone exterior was preserved and, where necessary, stones were replaced. New lighting and safety systems were installed. And in December 2024, the cathedral opened to the world

en

15:19

'SNL' celebrates 50 years of late-night comedy

Plain English ·

2025/02/10

Today's story: Saturday Night Live, or SNL, is a late-night comedy show that mixes short sketches, parodies, and music. The sketches poke fun at everyday situations, celebrities, products, and current events. What makes it special is that it's written quickly each week and performed live before a studio audience. This year, it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary on the air, always in the same time slot (11:30 p.m. on Saturdays).Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/748--Upgrade all

en

19:08

Latin phrases that are part of English

Plain English ·

2025/02/06

Today's story: English isn’t descended from Latin, but some Latin phrases have made their way into everyday use. This lesson explores eight Latin phrases, such as ""circa,"" ""quid pro quo,"" and ""status quo,"" that are still used in English today, plus some fun facts about Latin's influence on other fields.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/747Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/747 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for

en

15:55

The slow decline of neon signs

Plain English ·

2025/02/03

Today's story: Neon signs have lit up city streets for about a century. But building owners are increasingly swapping hand-blown neon tubes for sleek LED bulbs. The new bulbs are cheaper, easier to maintain, and more energy-efficient. But the old neon signs are a nostalgic part of urban history. What will cities be like without them?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/746Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/746 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best

en

17:33

Britain debates: Should assisted dying be legal?

Plain English ·

2025/01/30

Today's story: The British Parliament recently voted to advance a bill that would legalize medically-assisted dying in England and Wales. Supporters argue that those with terminal illnesses should have the right to avoid suffering at the very end of their lives. Opponents are concerned about social pressure, a slippery slope, and the role of doctors in ending life. If the bill passes, parts of the U.K. would join several other countries in legalizing the practice.Transcript & Exercises:

en

13:41

Why all-night parties are fading worldwide

Plain English ·

2025/01/27

"Today's story: Nightclubs around the world are closing their doors earlier than ever before, and some of the world's biggest party hotspots are hosting fewer all-night parties. Club owners and party organizers face tighter regulations and higher costs. But the real culprit is simply that this generation of young people is less interested in club culture than previous generations were.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/744"Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/744 --Upgrade all

en

13:07

The tradition of Girl Scout cookies in the U.S.

Plain English ·

2025/01/23

Today's story: Every winter, Girl Scouts and their parents fan out across schools, offices, and community events, soliciting orders for cookies. Customers have just one chance per year to satisfy their cravings for Thin Mints, Do-Si-Dos, and Samoas. But it’s not just the customers who benefit—the girls learn skills like sales, planning, and customer service, and cookie sales contribute millions to their Girl Scout troops and regional councils.Transcript & Exercises:

en

15:01

Jimmy Carter was America's best ex-president

Plain English ·

2025/01/20

Today's story: Jimmy Carter, who died at the end of 2024, was America's 39th president. His term in office was marked by challenges, and he suffered a lopsided loss in the 1980 election. But after he left office, he founded one of the most influential global nonprofits. The Carter Center has had an extraordinary positive impact on humanity in areas ranging from peace to health to democracy.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/742--Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is

en

17:09

Big questions on Australia's new social media law

Plain English ·

2025/01/16

Today's story: Australia’s new law bans children under 16 from social media, but two key questions remain: how will platforms verify user ages, and what exactly counts as a social media platform? So much of the online world has at least some social component: will teen book nerds be kicked off Goodreads?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/741Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/741 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning

en

14:12

New Australia law: no kids under 16 on social media

Plain English ·

2025/01/13

Today's story: Australia has passed a law that will prohibit children under 16 from accessing social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The law aims to protect kids from cyberbullying and mental health issues, but critics say it's an unfair restriction on kids' freedom to connect online.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/740--Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve

en

17:07

Why, exactly, is processed food bad for you?

Plain English ·

2025/01/09

Today's story: Processed foods are widely considered unhealthy and are associated with obesity and cardiovascular disease. But what, exactly, is unhealthy about them? New research attempts to tease out which processed foods are most associated with bad health.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/739Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/739 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to

en

15:43

Three big stories to watch in 2025

Plain English ·

2025/01/06

Today's story: Here are three major stories to follow in 2025: Donald Trump’s return and its impact on global trade, the potential endgame for the Ukraine-Russia war, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in business and society.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/738Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/738 --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,

en

21:13

New film starring Tom Hanks commemorates 'Mr. Rogers'

Plain English ·

2025/01/02

Over the course of 31 years and over 900 half-hour episodes, Fred Rogers was a friendly television neighbor and mentor to generations of American children, who knew him as simply "Mr. Rogers." A new movie, starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, explores the impact he had on children. He wasn't afraid to confront topics big and small and always spoke to children on their level. Plus, learn the English phrase "get down to business."Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/216 --Upgrade all your skills in

en

28:45

The five-star rating system isn’t working (Rave about)

Plain English ·

2024/12/30

Leaving a five-star review has become customary for any experience that is excellent, good, average, or even acceptable, and anything below five-stars means terrible in the world of online reviews. As consumers, this system isn’t helpful in identifying the true high performers, and it makes it difficult for people or businesses to stand out from the crowd. Plus, learn “rave about.”Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/419 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events

en

26:47

Behind the wheel of a Tesla test drive (Check the boxes)

Plain English ·

2024/12/26

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to take a Tesla out for a spin? It has all the ordinary features of a luxury car, plus all of the benefits – and thrills – of an electric car, like instant acceleration. Plus, Teslas have a feature that might make you less stressed in traffic, and you’ll learn “check the boxes.” On Monday, the lesson will focus on the Tesla technology.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/435 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast

en

15:48

4 classic Christmas movies (Fend off)

Plain English ·

2024/12/23

Christmas-themed movies are almost as old as the movies themselves. In today's lesson, you'll hear about four classic Christmas movies from four different decades (and two movies that don't count!). Plus, learn the English expression "fend off."Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/532 --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

en

22:38

What is the purpose of giving gifts?

Plain English ·

2024/12/19

Today's story: Giving gifts is a waste of money. That's the conclusion of economic studies that show the ""deadweight loss"" that occurs when givers buy gifts the receivers don't want very much. But even with this loss, a good gift can still be worth it...if done right.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/737 --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,

en

25:02

What's the most popular type of book? (Hint: 😘)

Plain English ·

2024/12/16

Today's story: Romance novels are the bestselling genre in publishing, outselling thrillers, mysteries, and self-help books. This story explores what makes a book a romance, the genre’s rich history, its subgenres, and how e-readers and self-publishing have fueled its success.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/736 --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,

en

21:08

‘Long Island’ is a worthy sequel to ‘Brooklyn’

Plain English ·

2024/12/12

Today's story: Colm Tóibín's novel ""Brooklyn"" introduced readers to Eilis Lacey, a young woman from Ireland who emigrated to America in the 1950's. The story won wide praise and found commercial success; it was adapted into a movie in 2015. Now, the Irish author is back with a sequel, titled ""Long Island"" and set in the 1970s.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/735Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/735 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best

en

881 results

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College