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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

24:06

Streaming services are the new musical gatekeepers |...

Plain English ·

2021/09/06

" In the past, artists needed record labels and agents to promote their music and try to land radio spots. Now, with streaming services like Spotify and Deezer, artists can upload music to the platforms on their own. But this means the competition is higher than ever, and the power is in the hands of the streaming services. Plus, learn “light 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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21:48

“Stillwater” movie tells a different Amanda Knox...

Plain English ·

2021/09/02

" The new movie “Stillwater” stars Matt Damon and Camille Cottin. The movie is inspired by the real-life crime story about Amanda Knox, the American student who was convicted of murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy. Knox was not consulted about the new movie using her story, and she isn’t pleased. Plus, learn “inspired by.” -- 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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20:27

A Messi breakup for football star and FC Barcelona |...

Plain English ·

2021/08/30

" Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he’s spent his entire career thus far with FC Barcelona. He moved to Barcelona at age 13 to join the young programs associated with the club. Barcelona and Messi both wanted to stay together, but apparently it was financially impossible. Now, he’s off to play in Paris. Plus, learn “bid farewell.” -- 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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23:06

Webtoons are the comics for the 21st century | Learn...

Plain English ·

2021/08/26

" Comics and cartoon drawings date back to the 1800s. Until recently, comics were typically published in newspapers or books and tell a story over time. But now, there are Webtoons: digital comics that are designed specifically to be read on a smartphone. Welcome to 21st century comics! Plus, learn “identify with.” -- 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/393 -- Learning

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24:29

Japan’s Olympic-sized disaster | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/08/23

" Japan drew the short straw with hosting the 2020-turned-2021 Olympic Games. Under pressure from the International Olympic Committee, Japan hosted the most expensive and controversial Olympic Games to date. Now that the Games have officially wrapped up, this lesson takes a look at how the Tokyo Olympics panned out for Japan, the athletes, sponsors, and more. Plus, learn “back away from.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a

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23:10

100-year-old American food brands that are still in...

Plain English ·

2021/08/19

" Several American food brands have been around for over a century, including a coffee brand from 1850 and a condiment that dates all the way back to 1876. Some things, and recipes, never change. This lesson gives you a taste of the American diet – for better or for worse. Plus, learn “still around.” -- 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/391 -- Learning English should

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24:08

Delta variant is giving Americans whiplash | Learn...

Plain English ·

2021/08/16

" Several American food brands have been around for over a century, including a coffee brand from 1850 and a condiment that dates all the way back to 1876. Some things, and recipes, never change. This lesson gives you a taste of the American diet – for better or for worse. Plus, learn “still around.” -- 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/391 -- Learning English should

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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,

en

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