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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

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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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:

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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

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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

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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:

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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:

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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:

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24:24

Biden topples Trump to become 46th American president...

Plain English ·

2020/11/16

" Election week in the United States was a bit messier than usual, but after several days of vote counting, Joe Biden was finally elected as the next American president. After a tumultuous four years under President Trump, many are hopeful that some normalcy will be restored. As the mayor of Paris tweeted, “Welcome back, America.” Plus, learn the English expression “tread carefully.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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21:11

Why buying a used car is so unpleasant | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/11/12

" Buying a car, especially a used car, is one of the worst consumer shopping experiences. The buyer is at a disadvantage, and the seller is in the driver’s seat, so to speak. But with such a huge market for used cars, why hasn’t the industry stepped up to create a better buying experience? Plus, learn what it means to have “peace of mind.” -- 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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18:01

The second wave of COVID-19 is officially here |...

Plain English ·

2020/11/09

" The second wave of COVID-19 is officially here. Across Europe, new lockdown orders are being put in place as countries are seeing a sudden spike in cases. Will it be any easier the second time around? Experts warn a long, hard few months are ahead. Plus, learn what a “balancing act” is. -- 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/310 -- Learning English should be fun

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18:32

Pumpkin spice and everything nice: part 2 | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/11/05

" In part two on fall’s favorite fruit, we’re sharing how pumpkin is eaten, sipped, and one surprise use. From snacks to desserts to drinks, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient in fall recipes. It has even created a near cult-following for a seasonal Starbucks drink. Warning: this episode could make you hungry. Plus, learn “look forward 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:

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19:09

Five things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit:...

Plain English ·

2020/11/02

" Pumpkins are a staple in American fall traditions, activities, and recipes. In the first of our two lesson on pumpkins, we’re talking about two things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit: you can pick them and carve them. If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, this lesson is for you. Plus, learn what it means to “stick with” 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:

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20:14

Foods you should never order for delivery | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/10/29

" The pandemic has made food delivery more popular than ever. We’re sharing the inside scoop on the foods and factors that are ideal for delivery – and those that aren’t. Hopefully, you’ll never be disappointed with an order of soggy fries again. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- 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/307 -- Learning English should be fun

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19:58

Rafael Nadal is officially the King of Clay | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/10/26

" Rafael Nadal won the twentieth Grand Slam title of his career at the French Open, tying Roger Federer’s record. Like usual, the tennis tournament was played on Paris’s famous red clay courts. But like most things in 2020, this year’s tournament was far from normal. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- 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/306 -- Learning

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17:56

The brilliant colors and business of fall foliage |...

Plain English ·

2020/10/22

" At this point, people are taking any excuse to pack their bags and head out of cities, and right now is prime time for fall foliage and “foliage tourism” across North America. Some places even depend on the vibrant and varied colors of fall for the majority of their tourism revenues. Plus, learn what “leaf peepers” are and the phrasal verb “roll 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:

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19:18

Uruguay is open for business (and new residents!) |...

Plain English ·

2020/10/19

" Uruguay might be the only country in the world that is currently welcoming foreigners with open arms. The tiny country of 3.5 million is trying to attract 200,000 new residents. For what Uruguay lacks in flare, it makes up for in stability – which might be exactly what people want most right now. Plus, learn the English expression “fed 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:

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22:51

The multiplying danger of junk in space | Learn what...

Plain English ·

2020/10/15

" Did you know there are hundreds of thousands of man-made objects circling our planet? The objects are also multiplying: they collide into each other and split into smaller pieces. Scientists around the world are trying to figure out how to harness the objects from space and bring them back down to earth, but there isn’t a proven method yet. Plus, learn what a “close call” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free

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18:46

The world’s largest annual party has been canceled |...

Plain English ·

2020/10/12

" It’s all fun and games until all the fun and games are canceled. In the latest in pandemic-related cancelations, Rio’s carnival parade has been postponed indefinitely. Vendors that rely on the carnival for most of their annual income are grappling with the announcement. Plus, learn what it means to “keep your options open.” -- 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/302 --

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17:01

Update: Alexei Navalny, scooters, sports, drinks, and...

Plain English ·

2020/10/08

" Today, we are revisiting five previous episode topics: Alexei Navalny was poisoned; e-scooters and micromobility are making a comeback in the pandemic era; a new zero-alcohol drink was released; progress in the return to pro sports; and an update on the race for a Covid-19 vaccine. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “to break down.” -- 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/301

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07:35

JR's Top 5 Lessons in Plain English history

Plain English ·

2020/10/06

JR shares with you his Top 5 favorite lessons. Plus: a special message from Plain English listeners. Links to JR's favorite lessons: Lesson #160: Urban Outfitters wants to bring the sharing economy to your wardrobe with clothing rentals Lesson #130: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a Singapore showcase with a great soundtrack Lesson #41: DJ Avicii found dead at 28; EDM star retired from tour after hits ‘Wake Me Up’ and ‘Levels’ Lesson #7: Disney’s ‘Coco’ is a hit in Mexico and the US; Britain’s Prince Harry

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910 results

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