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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.

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All Episodes

23:21

Judge Judy is hanging up her gavel after 25 years |...

Plain English ·

2021/08/12

" “Judge Judy” is an American daytime courtroom television show that’s been airing for over 25 years. The popular show attracts 10 million American viewers each weekday afternoon. Judge Judy settles small disputes and is famous for her signature no-nonsense style. The show is ending next month, but Judge Judy’s legacy and many life lessons will live on. Plus, learn “abide by.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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26:50

Reasons for Covid vaccine hesitancy | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/08/09

" The Delta variant is rapidly spreading throughout the globe, and it’s causing a higher percentage of hospitalizations and serious cases than the original strains of COVID-19. Yet, some people with relatively easy access to vaccines are still hesitant to get jabbed. It’s a complex topic that is rooted in history and distrust. Plus, learn “pale in comparison.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found

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22:19

A skilled Belgian sniper was on the loose for 35 days...

Plain English ·

2021/08/05

" Jürgen Conings was a Belgian soldier that stole military weapons and set off a massive 35-day manhunt in May. He was apparently radicalized by far-right online conspiracy theories. Conings was already on the Belgian watchlist, and there seem to have been some major oversights by the country’s military. Plus, learn “swept up in.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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19:32

Richard Branson wins the billionaire space race |...

Plain English ·

2021/08/02

" On July 11, Richard Branson traveled aboard his own Virgin Galactic rocket ship on the first private flight to space. He beat out his billionaire rivals: Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin and Elon Musk of SpaceX by just a few days. Branson hopes this is the start of commercial space travel becoming more of a reality. Plus, learn “on the way.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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22:56

Is virtual learning for schoolchildren here to stay?...

Plain English ·

2021/07/29

" For at least 100 years, kids have been learning in schools in the same format: a teacher and a class full of students with little technology. Then, Covid abruptly forced teachers and schoolchildren into virtual learning. This meant many disadvantaged students missed out on a big part of their education, but could some of the advantages of virtual learning stick around for good? Plus, learn “space out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English

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21:12

China's Communist Party celebrates its 100th birthday...

Plain English ·

2021/07/26

" China’s Communist Party celebrated 100 years in power this month. From its humble beginnings in a house in Shanghai, to strict control over more than a billion people, this lesson walks through some of the ups and downs of the party over the past century. Plus, learn “take place.” -- 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/384 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why

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24:16

New York City is experimenting with a new way to vote...

Plain English ·

2021/07/22

" New York City is experimenting with ranked-choice voting, where you rank the candidates in order of your preference. Countries like Australia and Ireland have been doing this for a century, and it’s a way to pick a clear winner in an election. There are a lot of advantages to this style of voting, but there is one very, very big disadvantage. Plus, learn “square off.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can

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24:23

Condo building tragically collapsed in Surfside,...

Plain English ·

2021/07/19

" A fully occupied condominium building in Surfside, Florida tragically collapsed in the middle of the night. Rescue efforts ran into several complications, and many people are still unaccounted for. The building board was apparently warned of the structural issues back in 2018, and an investigation is looking into what triggered the collapse. Plus, learn “act on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be

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19:34

Inside the #FreeBritney movement | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/07/15

" When Britney Spears was 26, she had just gone through a series of personal meltdowns. As a result, her father was legally appointed as her financial and personal conservator, meaning he has full control of her life and finances. But thirteen years later, Britney – and a movement of her fans – are fighting to get her out of it. Plus, learn what it means to “raise awareness.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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23:52

Tiny semiconductor chips are causing big supply chain...

Plain English ·

2021/07/12

" The world is facing a semiconductor shortage. Semiconductor microchips are in everything nowadays: from laptops, to cars, and even some toothbrushes. Demand for these tiny chips was already on the rise, and then the pandemic supercharged demand. Countries are scrambling to build more capacity, but it will be years before new factories are up and running. Plus, learn “cutting edge.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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19:05

Law & Order adds a new spinoff series to the...

Plain English ·

2021/07/08

" This spring, Law & Order introduced its latest installment in the franchise: “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” One of the Law & Order series is the longest-running live-action drama in American television history, with 22 seasons and counting. But the new show is different, and will make you want to tune in week-after-week. Plus, learn “land on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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18:28

Gen Z has spoken and skinny jeans are out | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/07/05

" After a year of pandemic life and working from home in comfortable pants, Gen Z has declared that skinny jeans should be gone for good. Some millennials are rejoicing about ditching the uncomfortable style, while others are defending their beloved skinny jeans (and side hair parts, while they’re at it). Plus, learn “break out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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24:15

The great gig economy debate | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/07/01

" The gig economy – the future of work – is here, and consumers love it. We can get a ride, order food, or even have our dogs walked with the tap of an app. But the gig economy relies on its workers to be independent contractors, and some recent court cases are challenging that model. Should Uber drivers be employees or contractors? Plus, learn what the “middle ground” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript,

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25:24

New giant dinosaur discovered in Australia | Learn...

Plain English ·

2021/06/28

" A new dinosaur was discovered in Australia, named the “Australotitan cooperensis,” or “Cooper” for short. The dinosaur was enormous, even for dinosaur standards. It was two stories tall and as long as a basketball court, making it one of the top 15 largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Plus, a dinosaur-sized coincidence and learn what “named after” means. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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25:17

Swipe left on these dating app scams | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/06/24

" When we think of scams, we usually think of vulnerable elderly people falling for a classic email or phone scam. But recently, the fastest growing segment of victims is ages 20-29, which is largely because of a rise in sophisticated dating app scams. Plus, learn what it means to “raise a red flag.” -- 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/375 -- Learning English should

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20:14

Swipe left on these dating app scams | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/06/21

" Tourism was put on hold for 2020. As the world recovers from the pandemic-induced recession, cooped-up consumers are ready to spend money on travel again. But the global hospitality industry is struggling to fill jobs in preparation for the return of the busy summer tourist season. Companies are offering incentives to compete for workers. Plus, learn what it means to “have a hard time.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a

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19:17

Long Covid: the lingering mystery after the disease ...

Plain English ·

2021/06/17

" “Long Covid” refers to the approximately ten percent of Covid sufferers whose symptoms do not go away within a few weeks. For some, the lingering effects of the disease has impacted every aspect of their lives. This lesson dives into the mysterious long-term side effects of the disease. Plus, learn “for a living.” -- 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/373 -- Learning

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21:16

Belarus hijacked plane to seize opposition journalist...

Plain English ·

2021/06/14

" A Ryanair flight from Greece bound for Lithuania was hijacked by the government of Belarus. The flight received a message that there was a bomb threat against the plane, so it had to be diverted for inspection in Minsk, Belarus. The bomb threat turned out to be a ploy, because shortly after landing, 26-year-old opposition activist and his girlfriend were arrested. Plus, learn “cover up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a

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20:31

Chile is hitting refresh on its 1980 constitution |...

Plain English ·

2021/06/10

" The current Chilean constitution is a controversial document, and many people don’t consider it legitimate. The group in charge of drafting the new constitution hopes to address long-held and deep-rooted issues of inequality in Chile. Even though the drafters are all primarily left-leaning candidates, there are still expected to be many challenges along the way. Plus, learn “hold out hope.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including

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23:54

Why does America still write checks? | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/06/07

" Check-writing is a low-tech, burdensome, and time-consuming form of payment. Some countries, like China, South Korea, and Japan, completely skipped personal checks and went straight from cash-based systems to electronic payments. So why are some of the world’s most advanced nations still writing personal checks? Plus, learn what it means to “reverse course.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found

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