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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

18:47

5 expert tips for better sleep | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/09/10

" In episode 292, we discussed why sleep boosts brain function. Today, we’re discussing five expert tips for improving your sleep habits based off sleep scientist Matthew Walker’s book “Why We Sleep.” It’s not as simple as going to bed at 10 and waking up at 6 each day. Plus, learn the English phrase ‘swing it.’ -- 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/293 -- Learning

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20:30

Why sleep is the best performance enhancer for your...

Plain English ·

2020/09/07

" We all know that sleep helps us beat the feeling of fatigue, but there’s so much more to sleep than just that. It is one of the most powerful – and underrated – performance enhancers for our brains. But where does sleep fit in in a culture that idolizes working around-the-clock? Plus, learn the English expression “treat yourself.” -- 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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19:04

Remembering television’s great Regis Philbin | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/09/03

" After a life in front of the cameras, the iconic TV show personality and talk show host, Regis Philbin, died at age 88. He will forever be remembered for his hit daytime talk show on ABC, hosting “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and his relatable, unpretentious personality. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ‘go on to’. -- 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/291 -- Learning

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20:14

Japan’s new public restrooms with see-through walls |...

Plain English ·

2020/08/31

" Tokyo just unveiled the latest innovation in public restrooms: toilets with transparent walls. To be clear: the walls are transparent when empty, but after a person enters and engages the lock, the walls turn opaque – meaning that you cannot see inside. I don’t know about you, but I’d be fearful of a tech glitch. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ‘make 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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17:38

Where in the world is Spain’s ex-king Juan Carlos? |...

Plain English ·

2020/08/27

" Spain’s ex-king Juan Carlos has fled Spain, adding to his string of scandals that have surfaced since 2012. Very few people know where he fled to. But we do know that since he isn’t king anymore, he doesn’t get to enjoy the same immunity from prosecution in Spain. Perhaps he’s fleeing jail time? Plus, learn the expression “come to light.” -- 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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23:18

Can UV light kill COVID-19? | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/08/24

" Ultraviolet light has been used to disinfect hospitals for about 10 years. Scientists are now testing whether this “disinfecting light” can help contain the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces. A team in Ireland has already developed a robot designed to disinfect with ultraviolet light. Plus, learn the English expression “at once.” -- 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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19:13

Mysterious seeds appearing in mailboxes around the...

Plain English ·

2020/08/20

" In 2020’s latest curveball, mysterious seed packages are showing up in mailboxes around the world. The US Department of Agriculture has been investigating the seeds to determine if they are some type of biological weapon, or just the latest scam. Whatever they are, don’t plant them! Plus, what you need to know about brushing scams and the phrasal verb ‘turn in.’ -- 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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17:32

Beirut blasts and the unexplained explosive material...

Plain English ·

2020/08/17

" Two explosions erupted at the Port of Beirut on August 4: one small, followed by a much larger one that shook the city with the force of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. The explosions killed 150 people, injured thousands, and have left 300,000 homeless. The disaster and aftermath are exposing a broken system in Lebanon. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “pass through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be

en

18:22

Discovery in Mexico challenges theory of first humans...

Plain English ·

2020/08/13

" Mexico is rich with archaeological gems, but one recent discovery in a cave in central Mexico is challenging the history of humans in the Americas. The research team found thousands of stones, human DNA, and charcoal to back up their claims – but not everyone is convinced. Another discovery sheds light on Mesoamerican life in the Sixth Century. Plus, learn the English expression “piece together.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,

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20:59

COVID-19 vaccine race is heating up | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/08/10

" There are currently 165 COVID-19 vaccines being tested around the world. Testing new vaccines is usually a long, multi-phase process, but six vaccines are already in phase III of trials. Developing an effective vaccine will certainly be a huge accomplishment, but drug companies fear manufacturing billions of doses may be the biggest challenge of all. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “line up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including

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18:18

Seven Panama students killed on hike | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/08/06

" On July 17, 13 Panamanian students went for a hike together, but only six returned alive. The six survivors confirmed that two gunmen attacked the group. Panama’s police arrested one person in connection with the shootings, but are still searching for the second gunman. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “rule 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: https://plainenglish.com/283 -- Learning

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20:23

Hong Kong security law is worse than anyone imagined...

Plain English ·

2020/08/03

" People are getting arrested. Books are being removed from libraries. Residents and shop owners are tearing down posters and artwork. And international companies are closing down their Hong Kong offices. Turns out, life under the new security law is worse than anyone had feared. Plus, learn the English expression “safe haven.” -- 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/282

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21:19

Hagia Sophia controversially converted from museum to...

Plain English ·

2020/07/30

" For the second time in its history, Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, a prized, architectural jewel, will be converted into a mosque. Turkey’s conservative supporters welcomed the change. Other Turks and most of the international community believe it’s a politically motivated move to regain support for the president, whose approval ratings have slid in recent years. Plus, learn what “a tiny sliver” means. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,

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20:15

Retail apocalypse 2.0: malls converted into...

Plain English ·

2020/07/27

" While brick and mortar retail struggles through the pandemic, online shopping is surging. E-commerce giants are buying warehouses like they’re hotcakes, and there’s a new push to move fulfillment centers closer to cities. It’s a heated battle to provide the fastest home deliveries. Plus, the future of the office and what it means to “spread 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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18:53

Can malls and hotels survive the pandemic? | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/07/23

" Hospitality and retail are two of the hardest-hit industries by the pandemic. Travel will eventually come back, but will it be back soon enough to rescue hotels? Malls were already struggling pre-pandemic, and many were already repurposing their retail spaces – but it still might not be enough. Will this be their final straw? Plus, learn the phrasal verb “to make up for.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript,

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22:32

Egypt and Ethiopia in troubled waters over Nile dam...

Plain English ·

2020/07/20

Ethiopia plans to fill an enormous reservoir, but Egypt is worried it will threaten its main water supply | Learn the English expression ‘sit well’

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22:26

'Better Call Saul': A prequel as good as the original...

Plain English ·

2020/07/16

" It is almost a fact that a movie’s sequel can never be better than the original. But fans and critics alike agree that Vince Gilligan’s prequel “Better Call Saul” rivals the original TV hit “Breaking Bad.” The sixth and final season of “Better Call Saul” is scheduled to air in 2021. Plus, learn what it means to “live in someone’s shadow.” -- 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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20:30

Covid month seven: updates from around the world |...

Plain English ·

2020/07/13

" As we enter month seven of the coronavirus’ existence, the world is in an awkward position. Europe is opening its borders, but only to an exclusive list of countries. The US is cracking down again, and some countries, like Brazil, are still bracing for the worst. Plus, learn what it means to “downplay” 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/276 -- Learning

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23:06

The Segway scooter is no more | Learn what it means...

Plain English ·

2020/07/09

" The Segway scooter was supposed to revolutionize personal transportation. But after its highly hyped launch in 2001, the scooter has struggled to find a market. People don’t find it as practical as it was promised to be. Now, 19 years later, Segway is ending production of its iconic scooters for good. Plus, learn what it means to be a “flop.” -- 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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20:43

Illegal fireworks displays lighting up the US | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/07/06

" Fireworks have long been a summer tradition for Americans. But with many official fireworks displays cancelled this summer, Americans have turned to setting off their own fireworks – and often illegally. Cities are starting to crack down on illegal fireworks imports, sales, and displays amidst skyrocketing complaints. Plus, learn what it means to be “in a bind.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be

en

883 results

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