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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

18:59

Japanese workers wake up to a nap's benefits | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/09/30

" A new trend in Japan's hard-charging, competitive office culture: reserving the nap room for a 30-minute break. Sleep cafes are opening in Tokyo and some companies are installing nap rooms in their offices, encouraging workers to get a short break during the day. But not all office workers like napping in a dedicated space. Many prefer to just nod off at their desks. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""kick in."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/194

en

20:05

'Downton Abbey' film picks up where series left off |...

Plain English ·

2019/09/26

" The British hit show Downton Abbey, which traces the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and the crew that serves them, has moved to the big screen--and the movie picks up where the series leaves off. The series and film trace the changes to British high society in the early twentieth century; but the best part is the fully developed characters, all of whom return for the film. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""shy away from."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

20:30

Subscriptions are coming to a movie theater near you...

Plain English ·

2019/09/23

" A company offering unlimited movies in theaters for just $10 a month has gone out of business, but the subscription model is here to stay, as large theater chains begin offering their own subscription services. While they're not unlimited, they are generous and are becoming popular with moviegoers. The model works well for theater chains, too: they like the consistent revenue and the added popcorn sales. Plus, learn the English phrase ""in the sweet spot."" Read the full transcript of this episode

en

19:20

Confronting the opioid crisis in America | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/09/19

" Abuse of legal and illegal opioids has become a public health crisis in the United States; overdoses of opioids now kill more people than car crashes or guns. After years of seeing prescriptions--and then overdoses--increase at an alarming rate, local and national governments are finally holding drug companies and illegal pain clinics responsible for their role in the crisis. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ""root out."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/191

en

20:47

Update episode: the latest news on 5 previous topics...

Plain English ·

2019/09/16

" Today we present the latest news on five previous topics: French President Emmanuel Macron has recovered from the gilets jaunes protesters; Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam offers a significant concession to protesters; Alex Trebek is taping Jeopardy! again; the race to challenge Donald Trump has narrowed. Plus, learn what it means to have a thorn in your side. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/190 Transcripts are always free and available now

en

17:52

Lung illnesses from vaping | Learn English phrasal...

Plain English ·

2019/09/12

" Over 450 people, mostly young, have fallen ill with lung disease after using electronic cigarettes. Five have died, including a 15-year-old in New York state. Public health authorities are scrambling to determine the specific cause of the illness, but many suspect it's due to a specific additive. While big brands like Juul don't use those additives, authorities are cautioning people not to use vaporizers. Plus, learn English phrasal verb ""take up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

20:28

Greenland and influence in the Arctic | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2019/09/09

" US President Donald Trump suggested he would be interested in buying the world's largest island. Although Denmark has no desire to sell Greenland, the episode put a focus on the changing geopolitics of the Arctic. Rising temperatures are opening up new shipping lanes and scientists believe over 20 percent of the world's oil and gas reserves are in the region. As a result, world powers are jockeying for influence in the northern reaches of the planet. Plus, learn the English phrase ""float an

en

17:36

The mustache is making a comeback | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2019/09/05

" Don't look now, but the mustache is making a comeback. If the 1990s were about goatees and the 2000s were about beards, then the mustache is now ready for its moment. Actors, sports stars, musicians, and other celebrities are starting the trend, but many men are following it, if only to stand out from the crowd. The mustache has a colorful history and was once a required part of the British Army's uniform. Plus, learn the English phrase ""all the rage."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

14:10

FAST VERSION of Episode 186 on international money...

Plain English ·

2019/09/04

Let's speed things up a little! One key benefit of Plain English Plus+ is a faster version of every episode. Test your listening comprehension with a version that is almost as fast as native speed. With a faster version, you can hear: How we use connected speech to combine words How words sound when spoken at the right speed The correct intonation for the context The fast version of every episode is a benefit of the brand new Plain English Plus+ membership. To learn more, watch the video from

en

19:33

Why is sending money across borders so slow and...

Plain English ·

2019/09/02

" Sending money via money-transfer agents or even large banks is slow and expensive. To make a transfer work, several banks charge fees; the process takes a long time; and consumers don't get the best exchange rate. Consumers get the worst deal when they send or receive money in cash. But new financial technology companies are starting to offer faster service and better rates. Plus, learn the English phrase ""on hand."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/186

en

23:56

Brazil struggling to respond to Amazon fires | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/08/29

" A sharp increase in the number and scale of forest fires in the Amazon is threatening the world's largest rainforest. The fires have a variety of causes, but are principally the result of illegal logging and agriculture in the Amazon region. Brazilians are demanding action, especially after smoke darkened São Paulo one afternoon. The Brazilian government has struggled to respond effectively. Plus, learn the English phrase ""up to the task."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

05:39

Take your English to the next level with Plain...

Plain English ·

2019/08/28

Are you ready to take your English learning to the next level? Today, Jeff announces Plain English Plus+, the new membership that will help you express yourself and build your confidence in English. In addition to the free program, Plus+ members will also get: A fast version of each episode - pick the right speed for you! Video lessons showing you how to apply English tools and techniques in your writing and conversations Quizlet flash cards to help you build your vocabulary Translations of 100

en

19:32

New meatless burgers actually taste good | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/08/26

" Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are two companies chasing a new trend: veggie burgers that taste like the real thing. Fast-food chain Burger King now has an Impossible Whopper and Katy Perry dressed up as an Impossible Burger. The burgers are made with a variety of plant-based ingredients, but are heavily processed and may not be as ""healthy"" as they seem. On today's episode, Jeff tries one of each and shares his experience. Plus, learn the English phrase ""in keeping with."" Read the full

en

20:45

New suicide barrier at Golden Gate Bridge | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/08/22

" The Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering and the symbol of San Francisco, but it is also a magnet for suicides: over 1,700 people have jumped to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1937. But today, a preventative net is being installed. Though it has a high pricetag and will alter the bridge's aesthetic, it will probably prevent hundreds of suicides each year. Plus, learn the English phrase ""in the prime of your life."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

17:45

Egan Bernal is Tour de France's first winner from...

Plain English ·

2019/08/19

" Colombian Egan Bernal became the first cyclist from Latin America, and the youngest in over 110 years, to win the Tour de France. He took the lead in the second-to-last stage of the three-week race, passing Julian Alaphillippe on the highest paved pass in the Alps. The 22-year-old from Zipaquirá recovered from injuries and several surgeries this year to win cycling's most prestigious race. Plus, learn what it means to ""make a push."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

18:26

Hong Kong protests intensify in 10th week | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/08/15

" Protests in Hong Kong continue to escalate as they enter their tenth week. What started as a protest against an extradition bill has expanded into a widespread movement that has at times turned violent, leading several countries to issue travel warnings. Hong Kong, which is part of China, has a much more open economy and political system than the mainland, under a system of ""one country, two systems."" However, that is being tested as Beijing seeks to exert more control over Hong Kong. Plus,

en

19:27

The complicated relationship between money and...

Plain English ·

2019/08/12

" Research has shown that having more money equals more happiness, but with some major exceptions. First, more money means more happiness with incomes up to about $50,000 to $75,000 per year in the United States. Beyond that, the ""happiness effect"" of more money is much less. Among the super-rich, you can be happier by giving your money away or by earning it yourself (instead of inheriting it). Plus, learn what it means to be ""better off."" Read the full transcript of this episode at

en

21:38

Can happiness be measured? | Learn English phrase...

Plain English ·

2019/08/08

" Is it possible to measure happiness? Scientists have tried various methods, but the most reliable way to measure a person's happiness is simply to ask via a survey. Happiness science has shown that there are several factors that influence a person's happiness level, including genetics, circumstances, and intentional activities. Plus, learn what ""give away"" means. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/179 Transcripts are always free and available now

en

22:18

Searching for missing girl, Vatican finds thousands...

Plain English ·

2019/08/05

" A decades-old mystery of a missing girl took a surprising turn after thousands of unidentified bones were discovered in a cemetery beneath the Vatican City. The family of Emanuela Orlandi, a girl who disappeared at age 15 after leaving a music lesson 36 years ago, was hopeful that the discovery would shed some light on the girl's disappearance. Plus, learn what it means to be ""dogged by"" something. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/178 Transcripts are

en

18:36

João Gilberto, master of bossa nova music, dies at 88...

Plain English ·

2019/08/01

" João Gilberto, the Brazilian singer who created the ""bossa nova"" musical style in the 1950s, died at age 88. Over a 60-year musical career, the singer won several Grammys, performed around the world, and was recognized as a cultural treasure of Brazil. The singer was most famous for ""The Girl From Ipanema,"" which is one of Brazil's most recognized songs. Plus, learn the English phrase ""keep to yourself."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/177

en

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