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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

19:48

The era of private space travel is upon us | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/07/02

" For the first time ever, a private company – Space X – sent an astronaut into space. As people are getting more comfortable with the idea of private companies venturing into space, they’re also beginning to ask more questions about when space tourism will be available to the public. Plus, learn what it means to be in a “dry spell.” -- 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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18:26

Thousands of crew members are stranded at sea | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/06/29

" After months at sea, an estimated 200,000 crew members’ contracts are ending. But these seafarers are unable to step foot on land due to quarantine rules, much less return home to see their families. History has shown that exhausted and lonely crews can be a recipe for disaster. Plus, learn the English expression “grind to a halt.” -- 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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20:21

Edward Hopper’s isolationist paintings resonating in...

Plain English ·

2020/06/25

** YOUR LAST CHANCE ** to join Plain English Plus+ as a Founding Member and pay the lowest price ever! PlainEnglish.com/Plus Edward Hopper was a 20th century American oil painter, and his work has recently had a burst in popularity online. His paintings show people and buildings in solitude and stillness – scenes all too familiar in the age of social distancing and isolation. Plus, learn the English expression “on the outskirts.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. --

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24:30

China proposes controversial Hong Kong security law |...

Plain English ·

2020/06/22

** YOUR LAST CHANCE ** to join Plain English Plus+ as a Founding Member and pay the lowest price ever! PlainEnglish.com/Plus As part of the agreement made with Britain in 1997, Hong Kong is still technically supposed to have freedom to operate independently under the “one country two systems” deal until 2047. But it’s looking like China is eager to get a little snugger with Hong Kong for the second half of that term. Plus, learn the English expressions “stacked against” and “stacked in favor of.” --

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11:37

Will university campuses be empty this fall? | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/06/18

Universities are in a uniquely difficult position preparing for classes after the pandemic. Some institutions have already announced that they will have a virtual fall semester, while others are making plans for socially distanced campuses. Regardless of the class format, all universities are preparing for a tough financial future. Plus, learn what it means to be in a “holding pattern.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English

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23:06

Police responding to protesters’ demands for reform |...

Plain English ·

2020/06/15

As protests enter their third week in the US, police departments are beginning to respond to protesters’ calls for action. Protesters have seen signs of hope along the way: police chiefs joining in protests, nationwide support, and officers getting charged. But policy changes and widespread police reform is what protesters are truly after. Plus, learn the English expression “set in motion.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English

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16:49

George Floyd’s death sparks protests across the world...

Plain English ·

2020/06/11

Eight minutes and 46 seconds: the amount of time George Floyd was pinned down by a white police officer in Minneapolis, ultimately leading to his death. This was not an isolated incident of police brutality against black people, but it was a tipping point. Protesters across the US and the globe are demanding justice and change. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “call for.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your

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19:04

Fans are eager to have live sports back, but it will...

Plain English ·

2020/06/08

Sports leagues are navigating their returns under coronavirus restrictions, budget cuts, and without fans for the foreseeable future. Some leagues had just a few games left in their seasons, but others, like Major League Baseball, are having to rework their entire summer season. We’re taking a look at where each sport is in the process. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “drown out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and

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21:54

Funerals in the age of COVID-19 | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/06/04

The United States has just passed a grim milestone: 100,000 deaths officially attributed to COVID-19. The death care industry is completely overwhelmed, and mourning family and friends have few options to grieve and heal together within the parameters of social distancing. Plus, learn the English expression “all walks of life.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get

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19:38

Summer of the RV | Learn the phrasal verb ‘stock up’

Plain English ·

2020/06/01

RVs might just be the perfect way for a family to travel and vacation in 2020. Think about it: they’re social distancing approved because you don’t have to get on a plane or stay in a hotel. They allow for flexibility in travel plans, and on top of that, they’re cost-effective. Plus, learn what it means to “stock up.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a

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21:55

Rare wild horse species thriving in radioactive...

Plain English ·

2020/05/28

The Chernobyl accident – the worst nuclear accident in history – left the surrounding land permanently scarred for what scientists thought would be 20,000 years. But now, just three decades later, the radioactive land has transformed into a refuge for wild animals, and is even helping revive the last truly wild horse species. Plus, learn what it means to “fend for yourself.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train

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20:10

Pandemic unleashing a wave of loneliness | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/05/25

Whether you’re at-home quarantined with your family, alone in your apartment, or just seeing the same small group of people at work from six feet away, everyone is likely seeing fewer people than normal. Weeks of social isolation has caused a surge in feelings of loneliness, but scientists have some tips to make people feel less lonely. Plus, learn the English expression “set in.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and

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22:51

South Korean pop culture is having a moment | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/05/21

South Korean pop culture is booming: from K-pop bands like BTS, to award-winning movies like Parasite, to innovative K-beauty brands that use snail extract (yes, for real) – the world can’t get enough. But how did South Korea transform from a struggling third-world country just a half century ago into a modern-day cultural powerhouse? It wasn’t an accident. Plus, learn the English expression “spring into action.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more

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22:20

Who are the world’s hottest new celebrities?...

Plain English ·

2020/05/18

Coronavirus scientists are experiencing newfound fame across the globe, as virologists and epidemiologists are now the national faces of the crisis and relied on for the latest information and guidance. Learn more about the public faces of the coronavirus response in Germany, Italy, Greece, and the United States. Plus, learn what it means to “rise to the challenge.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear

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20:56

Reopening the world: first steps | Learn the phrasal...

Plain English ·

2020/05/14

After weeks of shutdown, countries are preparing to reopen. Restaurant servers will have to wear masks, shops will have stricter capacity limits, and you still won’t be able to party at nightclubs for a while. But is it too soon? 85 percent of the population is still at risk, and reopening could threaten a second wave of infections. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “die out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train

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19:20

Where in the world was Kim Jong-un? | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/05/11

Kim Jong-un went weeks without public appearances, and the world is still wondering what he was up to. There is widespread speculation, including that he underwent heart surgery, was in COVID-19 quarantine, and even that he was in a “vegetative state.” But North Korean state media still refuses to answer or acknowledge global queries. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb “pore over.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary,

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20:48

Netflix is winning quarantine | Learn the phrasal...

Plain English ·

2020/05/08

The cameras stopped rolling a while ago, and the TV industry is struggling to fill their lineups at a time when more eyeballs are glued to TVs than ever. Networks are filling prime time slots with reruns, and one station even started a “Flashback Friday” series. But one player – Netflix – is proving to have a winning strategy for a pandemic. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “pull back on.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English

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20:10

Why Zoom video calls are so exhausting | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/05/04

We’re not commuting to work, not busy running from place to place, and definitely not breaking any Fitbit step records. So why are we feeling so tired every afternoon? Experts say Zoom fatigue is real and might be the culprit. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “come through.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at full speed. Members get access to a library of over 50 captioned video lessons,

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20:03

The post-pandemic workplace | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/04/30

Working from home is the name of the game for most people still able to work right now. Many companies that were reluctant to provide work-from-home flexibility to their employees before the pandemic have been forced into it – for now. But what will happen when we are able to go back into work? And what new mindset will employees bring? Plus, learn the English expression “big picture.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English

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19:06

How to stop procrastinating and start doing | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/04/27

For most people, procrastination is an occasional problem. But for about twenty percent of us, it’s more than that: it’s something more serious. In the second half of our two-part lesson on procrastination, we’re diving into avoidance behavior and discussing strategies for overcoming procrastination. Plus, learn the English expression “on your plate.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen at

en

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