x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

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.

education language learning

All Episodes

16:50

Revealed: most effective way to guard against...

Plain English ·

2020/02/17

The paper face mask is now trending in Asia and globally as people scramble to protect themselves from the deadly coronavirus. Tens of thousands of coronavirus cases have been reported in China, with isolated cases emerging from around the world. But is the face mask helping? Something more common sense might work even better. Plus, learn the phrasal verb, “guard against.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train

en

21:22

Americans snooze through Trump's impeachment | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/02/13

The third-ever impeachment of an American president didn’t appear to change much in American politics. Throughout the proceedings, most Americans either went about their usual business or had their existing opinions about the president reinforced. Trump was – not surprisingly – acquitted of two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. In many ways, the trial was more political than legal. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “take over.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English

en

19:06

Sports world mourns Kobe Bryant | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2020/02/10

Kobe Bryant, one of the world’s biggest sports superstars, along with his teenage daughter and seven others, were killed in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles. Since then, the sports world has publicly grieved the loss, and there has been an outpouring of tributes and remembrance in their honor. Plus, learn the English expression “eligible for.” 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

19:42

Human body temperatures are dropping | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/02/06

For 150 years, the conventional wisdom has been that the normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees. But new research suggests that the new normal is more than a degree cooler. Researchers aren’t exactly sure what’s causing the change, but one theory suggests it could be a sign that humans are getting healthier. Plus, learn the English expression “average out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear

en

21:29

Coronavirus researchers racing to develop vaccine |...

Plain English ·

2020/02/03

The latest coronavirus that broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already infected hundreds, killed dozens, and spread across the world. Researchers worldwide are working to develop a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus. Some researchers are experimenting with new vaccine technologies. Plus, learn the English expression “to put something in perspective.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to

en

19:18

Domino’s Pizza to open 850 stores in Italy | Learn...

Plain English ·

2020/01/30

Domino’s announced plans to open 850 American pizza chain stores in the birthplace of pizza itself. While many people – including local Italians – doubt whether Domino's can succeed in Italy, the chain is hoping that a focus on delivery and customization to local tastes will be enough to win over the Italians. Plus, learn the English expression “win over.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen

en

19:05

Prince Harry and Meghan step down from royal duties |...

Plain English ·

2020/01/27

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world and the rest of the Royal Family with their announcement to step down from their roles as senior royals. They are still negotiating the terms of their exit, but they want to be financially independent and create a “progressive new role” for themselves. Plus, learn the English expression “work something out.” Take your English to the next level with Plain English Plus+! Speak with more confidence, learn English vocabulary, and train your ear to listen

en

18:36

First things first: Japan debates a name change |...

Plain English ·

2020/01/23

" Japan announced it is reversing the way Japanese names are written in English by putting the family name first, the same way they are written in Japanese. Many Japanese are in favor of this change, but some people worry that this change may be signaling a broader closing off of Japan from the rest of the world. Plus, learn the English expression “bend to.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/227 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas

en

20:26

Quest to care for animals in Australia | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/01/20

" The latest Australian wildfires are some of the most dangerous and destructive fires in recent history. The fires have already burned millions of acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and taken human lives. Humans are not the only victims – the fires have also wounded or killed thousands of animals, including rare species native to Australia. Plus, learn the English expression “in the face of.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/226 Transcripts are always

en

16:38

Father of preventative medicine is still working at...

Plain English ·

2020/01/16

" Dr. Jeremiah Stamler is credited as the father of preventative medicine, and he is still working at 100 years old. Dr. Stamler spent his career researching how lifestyle adjustments and routine maintenance on your body can help you avoid chronic diseases. In part due to his research, death rates from chronic diseases have fallen drastically during his career. Plus, learn the English expression “play a part.” Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/225

en

17:57

Former Renault-Nissan CEO escapes Japan | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2020/01/13

" Carlos Ghosn, former Renault-Nissan CEO, was awaiting trial in Japan for a number of white-collar crimes. Japanese officials kept delaying his trial, so Ghosn secretly fled Japan for Lebanon by private plane. Ghosn is not completely free quite yet. His past business dealings in Israel could pose legal problems for him in Lebanon, too. Plus, learn what it means for someone to ‘take a hit.’ Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/224 Transcripts are always free

en

19:40

Premium economy: more ‘economy’ than ‘premium’ |...

Plain English ·

2020/01/09

" In between economy class (in the back) and business class (in the front), airlines have created a new class of service called ""premium economy."" This is aimed at travelers who will pay a little more for some extra space, but can't pay the sky-high prices of a full business class seat. In this episode, Jeff reviews his experience in premium economy: he finds that it's more ""economy"" than ""premium."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/223 Transcripts

en

20:01

Is a supernova on the horizon? | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2020/01/06

" Betelgeuse, the star that represents the hunter's shoulder in the constellation Orion, is dimmer than it has been in almost 100 years. Stars of that type tend to become dimmer just before they explode in a supernova. If that happens, the explosion would be visible from earth and Orion would lose his shoulder. But it's not clear whether the star's current level of brightness signals a supernova is coming. Plus, learn the English expression ""ebb and flow."" Read the full transcript of this episode

en

17:27

So long, Big Bird: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies |...

Plain English ·

2020/01/02

" Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer who played Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and other characters on television's ""Sesame Street"" died at age 85. For almost half a century, Spinney played the over-sized, six-year-old yellow canary that enchanted generations of children. He maneuvered the eight-foot-tall costume from inside, with the help of cables and a monitor strapped to his chest. Plus, learn what it means to ""cut back on"" something. Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

20:45

Cookie announcements: the most annoying thing on the...

Plain English ·

2019/12/30

" Cookies, the little bits of text that are stored in web browsers that tell sites things about ourselves and our behaviors, have long been a part of the Internet. But new data privacy regulations have brought cookies front and center--literally. Now most sites ask consumers if they agree to having cookies placed on their browsers. Is that a win for data privacy or a useless annoyance to web visitors? Plus, learn the phrasal verb ""show up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

16:32

Landing on autopilot | Learn English phrase 'prone to'

Plain English ·

2019/12/26

" Garmin, the company that once dominated GPS navigation in cars, has developed an automated landing system for small planes. The system is designed to land a small plane automatically in an emergency, such as when the pilot has a heart attack. The plane will find the nearest airport, locate an airstrip, alert air traffic control, land the plane and bring it to a stop. Plus, learn the English phrase ""prone to."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/219

en

16:41

UK elections: how the parties fared | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2019/12/23

" Britain's historic election will upset the balance of power in Parliament, as the Tories will have an 80-seat majority to press their Brexit plans. The opposition Labour party ran on a laundry-list of proposals that confused and overwhelmed voters. The Scottish National Party won big, further isolating Scotland from the rest of the UK. And the Liberal Democrats, once a credible third party alternative, were reduced to only 11 seats. Plus, learn the English phrase ""for good measure."" Read the

en

16:27

Boris wins big in vote dominated by Brexit | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/12/19

" The UK's Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, won a convincing victory in Parliamentary elections on December 12 on the strength of its campaign promise to ""get Brexit done."" The Tories will have an 80-seat majority, their best election result since 1987, while the opposition Labour had its worst night since the 1930s. The result almost guarantees Britain will officially exit the EU on schedule by the end of January. Plus, learn what it means to have the wind at your back

en

19:18

Tom Hanks plays American icon Mr. Rogers perfectly |...

Plain English ·

2019/12/16

" Over the course of 31 years and over 900 half-hour episodes, Fred Rogers was a friendly television neighbor and mentor to generations of American children, who knew him as simply ""Mr. Rogers."" A new movie, starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, explores the impact he had on children. He wasn't afraid to confront topics big and small and always spoke to children on their level. Plus, learn the English phrase ""get down to business."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

16:49

London attacker stymied by brave bystanders | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/12/12

" A man wielding two knives attacked conferencegoers at a building near the famous landmark London Bridge. Bystanders used whatever they could - including a spear and a whale's tooth - to fight back while police responded. Police shot the attacker after they saw what appeared to be an explosive vest. Plus, learn the English expression ""hold off."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/215 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você

en

883 results

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College