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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

17:52

China sends rover to moon’s far side | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2019/01/10

The far side of the moon, which has until now only been observed via photographs, is now being explored by a rover from China, scientists announced. The first-ever trip to the so-called “dark side of the moon” will help shed light on the moon’s geology and will take more detailed photographs than are possible from the moon’s more familiar side. Plus, learn the English phrase “at any given time.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/119 Transcripts are always

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16:29

Mystery disease strikes diplomats in Cuba | Learn...

Plain English ·

2019/01/07

A mystery disease that causes hearing loss, vision loss, loss of balance, and brain damage has been affecting American and Canadian government workers in Havana. The symptoms are not consistent with any known condition, leading many to think it’s the work of the Cuban or Russian governments, but no proof has been found. The US has cut its diplomatic staff dramatically in Havana. Plus, learn English phrase “come down with.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/118

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19:10

Making New Year’s resolutions stick | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2019/01/03

A New Year’s resolution is a promise you make to yourself to improve for the coming year. Many people say they will lose weight, sleep more, get a new job, or improve their relationships. The trouble is, more than 90% of people don’t keep their resolutions. Today we talk about why so many resolutions fail, and how to change habits so they stick (at any time of year). Plus, learn the English phrase “fall short.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/117

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18:25

NBA in Mexico; NFL in London: American sports push...

Plain English ·

2018/12/31

Basketball in Mexico; American baseball in Japan; football in London: the American professional sports leagues are making a push to play a few showcase games in other markets each year. The leagues are trying to build international support for their brands, in part because their home markets are saturated. The NBA is openly speculating about putting a team in Mexico City. Learn the English phrase “a matter of time.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/116

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18:24

Crying is serious business in Japan | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2018/12/27

Japanese entrepreneurs have started crying clubs, where men and women get together to watch sad movies and listen to sad songs. The purpose is to induce tears, and to get all the emotional benefits of crying in the emotionally reserved country. One businessman even offers “handsome men” to dab the tears of crying ladies in his group. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “latch onto.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/115 Transcripts are always free and available

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18:50

Trouble for Huawei after executive is arrested in...

Plain English ·

2018/12/24

Huawei is one the world’s largest manufacturers of cell phones and the equipment that powers cell phone service around the world. However, some people suspect the company of using its equipment to spy on customers for the Chinese government. Now, it’s in even more trouble after its chief financial officer was arrested. The charge? Prosecutors say she tricked a bank into transferring payments from Iran, which was against international sanctions. Plus, learn the English phrase “dry up.” Read the full

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21:53

Britain should vote again on Brexit | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2018/12/20

The deal British Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated for her country’s exit from the European Union did not find the support it needed to pass the British Parliament. Without passing a deal, Britain could risk a chaotic departure from the EU. Is this what the people wanted when they voted, by a slim majority, to leave the EU? The only way to know is to call a second vote. Plus, learn the English phrase “bite the bullet.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/113

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21:57

George H. W. Bush, America’s 41st president, dies at...

Plain English ·

2018/12/17

George Herbert Walker Bush, who served as a Navy pilot in World War II and later as a Congressman, CIA director, vice president, and president, died at the age of 94. Though he served just one term, his four years in the White House proved to be important, as he oversaw the collapse of the Soviet Union and a successful U.S. war in the Middle East. Still, the younger and more charismatic Bill Clinton defeated him in 1992. Plus, learn the English phrase “keep a low profile.” Read the full transcript

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21:29

Yellow vest protests expand to France’s Champs-Elysée...

Plain English ·

2018/12/13

A spontaneous protest movement has broken out in France, disrupting daily traffic and shaking the government’s plans for additional fuel taxes. A group of citizens wearing reflective safety vests protested a planned rise in the fuel tax, but the movement has gathered steam and now represents anyone dissatisfied with the president, Emmanuel Macron, or with capitalism in general. Plus, learn what it means to have your finger on the pulse of something. Read the full transcript of this episode at

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20:54

First gene-edited baby is born in China, scientist...

Plain English ·

2018/12/10

Chinese scientist Hu Jinakui says that he edited the genes of an embryo during in vitro fertilization and that the embryo grew to be a girl who was born in November. If his claims are true, the girl is the world’s first genetically-modified human. Dr. Hu modified her genes to make her less likely to inherit the HIV virus from her father, who is HIV-positive. The techniques employed by Dr. Hu raise difficult ethical questions about the proper limits to genetically modifying humans. Plus, learn the

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22:10

Cuba pulls 8,000 doctors from Brazil after spat with...

Plain English ·

2018/12/06

Cuba has ordered all 8,000 of its doctors working in Brazil to come home after a spat between Brazilian president-elect Jair Bolsonaro and the Cuban government. The doctors were working in rural areas of Brazil, but the Cuban government kept over 70% of their wages, a system Bolsonaro called “slave labor.” Brazil claims to have back-filled almost all the doctor positions. Cuba, on the other hand, may be left without a valuable source of government income. Plus, learn the English phrase “to make up

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19:52

Pisa’s famous tower is leaning a bit less | Learn...

Plain English ·

2018/12/03

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning a little less. Scientists recently confirmed that the famous tower has straightened out by about four centimeters over the last 17 years. The news is the result of a ten-year effort to straighten the tower by softening the ground underneath the north side. The scientists believe the tower should be safe for another 200 years. Plus, learn the English phrase “straighten out.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/108

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18:56

Migrant caravan arrives at the US border: now what? |...

Plain English ·

2018/11/30

Thousands of migrants from Central America have passed through Mexico and have arrived at Tijuana, the last city before the US border. But they must go one-by-one through the American asylum process and are likely to have to wait in Mexico as their cases are heard in US courts. Meanwhile, the city of Tijuana is facing a “humanitarian crisis” as they try to accommodate the new visitors. Plus, learn the English phrase “bear a burden.” Read the full transcript of this episode at

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20:06

Scientists have re-defined the kilogram | Learn...

Plain English ·

2018/11/26

For over a hundred years, the official definition of a kilogram was a metal cylinder held under three locks in France. But scientists have voted to change the kilo’s official definition to a mathematical equation based on unchanging laws of physics. For this reason, the prototype kilogram, called “Le Grand K” will no longer be the official definition of the kilogram. Plus, learn the English phrase “seal someone’s fate.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/106

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23:21

Brexit deal leaves few happy in UK | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2018/11/22

Negotiators for Britain and the EU have reached a draft deal on the UK’s exit. The deal has left few people happy in the UK, as both those who wanted to leave and those who wanted to stay in the EU found something not to like in the deal. Several members of the cabinet resigned, leading Prime Minister Theresa May fighting for the deal and her political future. Plus, learn the English phrase “strike a deal.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/105 Transcripts

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21:02

Lady Gaga was amazing in ‘A Star Is Born’ | Learn...

Plain English ·

2018/11/19

Lady Gaga, the pop star better known for provocative lyrics and outlandish outfits, turned in a transformative performance as Ally, a waitress-turned-pop star in the fourth version of the classic Hollywood story “A Star Is Born.” Bradley Cooper plays Jackson Maine, an established rock star toward the end of his career, who discovers Ally in a drag bar after one of his own shows. The two fall in love as his career declines and hers takes off. Plus, learn the English phrase “down to earth.” Read the

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05:02

Introducing our new partner MosaLingua

Plain English ·

2018/11/19

Today, we introduce you to our new partner, MosaLingua. MosaLingua has a wide variety of English language-learning resources. Visit PlainEnglish.com/learn to get access to a special offer for Plain English listeners. Below is a transcript of this special announcement: -- Hi everyone, it’s Jeff here with a special message for you. It has been so much fun getting to know you all over the past year and I’m so proud of everything you are doing to get better at English. You’re doing this for so many

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20:03

Partial rebuke for Trump in US midterm elections |...

Plain English ·

2018/11/15

In the first national elections since the controversial developer-turned-TV star took office, US voters gave President Donald Trump only a partial rebuke, as the opposition Democrats took control of the US House of Representatives, but Trump’s Republicans expanded their majority in the Senate. Democrats won on ballot initiatives and in state governorships. Plus, learn the English phrase “when the dust settles.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/103

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20:06

Top European football teams in talks to create a...

Plain English ·

2018/11/12

Some of Europe’s top football clubs, including Manchester United and Bayern Munich, are in talks to create a “Super League” that would feature more head-to-head matchups of the continent’s best teams, but which may put the existing structure of European football in jeopardy. Based on early reports, it was not clear if the clubs would consider leaving their national leagues or if the Super League would replace the UEFA Championship. Plus, learn the English phrase “at the expense of.” Read the full

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18:20

Mexico will cancel partially-built new airport after...

Plain English ·

2018/11/08

After holding an unofficial vote before he took office, president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced he would cancel the $15 billion Mexico City airport that is already under construction and one-third complete. The president-elect cited corruption and environmental damage in explaining his opposition. International investors looked on with concern, worried about Mexico’s ability to honor its contracts. Plus, learn the English phrase “bursting at the seams.” Read the full transcript of this

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