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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

16:16

Starbucks new expansion plans are brewing | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/01/21

" Starbucks is accelerating its plans to open more small format locations, adding more contactless ordering and pickup-only options. Fueled by changing consumer preferences – and likely plenty of caffeine – Starbucks will cut its expansion timeline from three to five years down to just eighteen months. Plus, learn what it means to “shake up” a routine. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

22:34

Wikipedia turns 20 years old | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/01/18

" Wikipedia’s first official edit was on January 15, 2001, and since then, the nonprofit has built the largest collection of crowdsourced knowledge in the world. But Wikipedia as we know it isn’t how the two founders first planned. In fact, it started as something completely different. Plus, learn “over the years.” -- 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/330 -- Learning

en

Wikipedia turns 20 years old | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/01/18

" Wikipedia’s first official edit was on January 15, 2001, and since then, the nonprofit has built the largest collection of crowdsourced knowledge in the world. But Wikipedia as we know it isn’t how the two founders first planned. In fact, it started as something completely different. Plus, learn “over the years.” -- 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/330 -- Learning

en

18:03

A new appreciation for the television show “The...

Plain English ·

2021/01/14

" Remember how we used to go to this place every weekday and spend the whole entire day with a roomful of people? Today, we’re taking a nostalgic look back on the television show “The Office” from a world where most people have been away from the office for almost a year. Plus, learn what it means to “put on a brave face.” -- 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/329 --

en

19:33

Hollywood’s theatrical window is closing | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/01/11

" Not surprisingly, theater revenue was down 70 percent in 2020, and the pandemic boosted an already-accelerating trend toward streaming movie releases. But with the end of the pandemic (hopefully) in sight, can movie theaters rebound from this? Or are theaters going to be gone…for good? Plus, learn the phrase “cash in 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: https://plainenglish.com/328 --

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21:45

Cruisin’ in Kruger: A South African safari...

Plain English ·

2021/01/07

" South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the world’s top safari destinations. Its vast area – nearly two million hectares – has extraordinary natural features and is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries on the continent. It’s home to the “Big 5” African mammal species, and 750 more. Plus, learn what it means to “blend 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:

en

20:58

How secure are your passwords, really? | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/01/04

" You know what’s the worst? Remembering passwords. But you know what else is the worst? Getting your account hacked or a big security breach. 2021 should be the year for improving your password hygiene: ditching reusable passwords, your password Excel document, and signing up for a password manager tool. Today, we’re talking about the best password managers. Plus, learn “a breeze.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

en

20:58

Five predictions for 2021 | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/12/31

" 2020 was a guessing game. We never knew what the next month was going to throw at us. Hopefully, 2021 will be a little more predictable. Today’s lesson ponders five questions for 2021: when life will return to normal, Europe’s leadership transitions, big tech, the rise of populism, and public transportation. Plus, learn “for good.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

27:25

What a wild ride: 2020 in review | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/12/28

" It’s hard to believe that we started the year with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex stepping back from their royal duties and mourning Kobe Bryant. January through March of 2020 – pre-COVID lockdowns for most of the world – feel like they happened many years ago. This episode looks back on the wild ride we’ve been on in 2020. Plus, learn what an “arms race” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can

en

19:45

2020’s latest curveball: mysterious monolith...

Plain English ·

2020/12/24

" Just when you thought things were getting really weird… Mysterious monolith sculptures have been popping up in random locations around the globe. It’s unclear who is behind the statues, but one witness saw the creators in action. We can tell you about it, but we can’t explain it. Plus, learn “without a trace.” -- 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/323 -- Learning

en

20:39

The arduous journey of the COVID vaccine | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/12/21

" Less than a year after the first case of COVID-19, the vaccine rollout has officially begun. But distribution won’t be easy. From extreme temperature requirements to the vaccine’s complicated shelf life, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies will have their hands full. But people are already feeling something they haven’t felt in a while: hope. Plus, learn what it means to be “known for” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,

en

18:45

Remembering Argentinian soccer superstar Diego...

Plain English ·

2020/12/17

" Diego Maradona is widely considered one of soccer’s all-time greatest players. He broke many records and played a key role in Argentinian teams that won World Cups. But he was also all too human. His early and sudden rise to stardom came with many ups and downs. Plus, learn “catch up 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/321 -- Learning English should be fun

en

21:36

Beethoven’s 250th birthday has gone virtual | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/12/14

" This week we are celebrating one of the greatest composers of all time. It’s Beethoven’s 250th birthday week, but it’s not at all how the classical music world originally planned it. Not unlike Beethoven’s own life, planning and adapting the commemorative celebrations for 2020 has been a turbulent process. Plus, learn “burn through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

20:58

Rewind: Cyber Monday circa the 2000s | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/12/10

" Cyber Monday has become a worldwide phenomenon where people shop online deals from the end of October through the New Year. But Cyber Monday deals haven’t always lasted for weeks. We’re taking you back to a time – not so long ago – when Cyber Monday really was just one Monday of online deals. Plus, learn “back up.” -- 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/319 -- Learning

en

20:47

The evolution of Black Friday | Learn the expression...

Plain English ·

2020/12/07

" Black Friday used to be a fun family tradition for when families got together for the long Thanksgiving weekend. But over the years, American consumerism has driven Black Friday from a one-day shopping event to a full season of sales and spending. It’s evolved into an exhausting, competitive and even dangerous event. Plus, learn “for better or for worse.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

18:30

Water on the Moon | Learn the expression ‘cut down on’

Plain English ·

2020/12/03

" NASA scientists have discovered water on the dark side of the Moon. Until recently, researchers had only confirmed water in the sunlit portions. The implications of this discovery are enormous and could change the future of space exploration as we know it. Plus, learn what it means to “cut down on” something. -- 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/317 -- Learning

en

22:06

The Trump presidency report card | Learn the phrasal...

Plain English ·

2020/11/30

" In 2016, Trump campaigned on radical slogans and ideas, like building a wall along the Mexican border and “draining the swamp.” But – tweets and drama aside – when you consider the Trump presidency’s accomplishments, was what they did really all that different from any other Republican president? This lesson dives into what the Trump presidency actually did versus what he promised to do. Plus, learn “figure in.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full

en

22:00

A COVID vaccine breakthrough | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/11/26

" Finally, some encouraging news in 2020. Pfizer, the global pharmaceutical company, announced that their COVID vaccine candidate was more than 90% effective in advanced trials. Several countries have already put in orders for hundreds of millions of doses. But are they getting ahead of themselves? Plus, learn the English expression “in sight.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

23:35

Joe Biden’s winning strategy: opposites attract |...

Plain English ·

2020/11/23

" Just like everything else in 2020, the American presidential campaign season was far from normal. President Trump’s campaign tried to carry on with business as close to usual as possible. Meanwhile, Joe Biden’s campaign took a big risk and ran a socially-distant campaign – and it just barely worked. Plus, learn “make or break.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

22:30

The new way to buy a used car | Learn the expression...

Plain English ·

2020/11/19

" Last week, we talked about how much of a hassle it is to buy a used car. In this lesson, several companies around the world are revolutionizing the used car buying process. They’re trying to make it less painful and, dare we say, fun. But this type of industry disruption comes with a host of challenges. Plus, learn “nook and cranny.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

en

883 results

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