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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

23:12

Tribute to TV legend Larry King | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2021/02/11

" Larry King, who interviewed countless celebrities, politicians, and anyone else with a story to tell, passed away at the age of 87 last month. He hosted the highest-rated cable television talk show, Larry King Live, on CNN for 25 years, and was on radio and television for over half a century. Plus, a personal experience with Larry King and the English expression “partial to.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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20:23

Man lived at Chicago airport for 3 months | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/02/08

" A 36-year-old man lived in the Chicago-O’Hare airport for nearly three months before anyone noticed. Back in October, Mr. Singh was reportedly on his way home to India via a connection in Chicago, but he was too afraid to continue his journey amidst the pandemic. He decided to camp out in the Chicago airport instead. Plus, learn “rely 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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21:03

The ins and outs of left-handedness | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/02/04

" Since just 10 percent of the human population is left-handed, the world is designed for the 90 percent right-handed majority. Everything from using a scissors to computer design to swiping credit cards are daily inconveniences for left-handers – things most right-handers take for granted. Also, the origins of right-handed dominance and why left-handedness hasn’t evolved out of the human population. Plus, learn “cater to.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. --

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19:10

Tab: the rise and fall of Coca-Cola’s first diet soda...

Plain English ·

2021/02/01

" Coca-Cola has officially retired Tab, its first diet soda, in an effort to trim its portfolio. Tab was originally intended for diabetics, but the soda took off amongst dieters seeking a low-calorie, low-sugar alternative to traditional sodas. Enthusiasts rushed to stockpile their supplies of Tab before the drink was off the shelves for good. Plus, learn “turn to.” -- 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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21:13

Boeing’s 737-MAX is flying the skies again | Learn...

Plain English ·

2021/01/28

" After a couple deadly crashes grounded Boeing’s 737-MAX two years ago, the aircraft has finally been approved for takeoff again. All eyes have been on Boeing and its fuel-efficient 737-MAX aircraft, and approval processes were more thorough than ever. But passengers are still nervous to board a flight on a 737-MAX with its spotty safety record. Plus, learn “in the eyes of.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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22:24

A rocky start for the vaccine rollout | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2021/01/25

" The biggest vaccination effort in world history is underway. But with that, of course, comes a host of problems, and vaccinations haven’t even begun in the developing world yet. Progress is slow and below initial expectations, but there’s still some reasons for optimism. Plus, learn what it means to “make arrangements.” -- 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/332 --

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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:

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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

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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

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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 --

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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:

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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

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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:

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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:

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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

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