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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

18:16

Highlights from 900 Plain English stories

Plain English ·

2026/09/28

Today's story: This week, Plain English is celebrating its 900th episode. We've touched on stories big and small over the years, and this is a time to look back on some of our favorites. In part 1, we look back on episodes about the movie "Crazy Rich Asians", a taste test that went awry, television personality Regis Philbin, and a surprising scam at McDonald's. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/900Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/900--Plain

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14:21

France lends the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum

Plain English ·

2026/09/21

Today's story: The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old embroidered account of the Norman Conquest, has traveled from France to the British Museum for a rare exhibition in London. The fragile 70-meter work required carefully engineered transportation and will remain on display until July 2027. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/899Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/899--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and

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16:35

America is united in opposition to data centers

Plain English ·

2026/09/14

Today's story: As artificial intelligence drives demand for more computing power, huge new data centers are being proposed across the United States. But local communities are pushing back over higher electricity costs, noise, and blight that go along with data centers. Opposition has brought together voters across political parties and led some towns to block or delay new projects. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/898Get the full story and learning resources:

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15:36

Dolly Parton was a great singer and a better person

Plain English ·

2026/09/07

Today's story: Dolly Parton, the country music singer, died at age 80. She rose from rural poverty to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of her generation. While she was famous for her music, she was beloved for her personality. Generous, authentic, and accepting, she united fans from many different worlds. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/897Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/897--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn

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12:01

Expression: Eat away at

Plain English ·

2026/09/03

Learn the English expression, "eat away at"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/eat-away-at--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the hardest words and phrases from

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14:27

Postcards are fading into the past

Plain English ·

2026/08/31

Today's story: The first postcards were sold in the late 1800s and quickly became a popular way to communicate. In the days before social media (and even consumer photography), they were a fast and cheap way to communicate. But across the world, postcard usage is falling sharply (except one specific type of postcard). Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/895Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/895--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn

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07:03

Expression: Better off

Plain English ·

2026/08/27

Learn the English expression, "better off"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/better-off--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the hardest words and phrases from

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14:17

Meet the lab-made SpudCell

Plain English ·

2026/08/24

Today's story: Scientists at the University of Minnesota built a synthetic cell entirely from non-living chemical ingredients. Called SpudCell, it can absorb nutrients, copy its genetic code, divide into two, and even show natural selection over several generations. However, it still depends on scientists to supply key cellular machinery, cannot reproduce forever, and does not always pass on a complete set of DNA. Researchers hope this fully documented cell will help them understand how life works

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12:41

Expression: Distance yourself

Plain English ·

2026/08/20

Learn what it means to "distance yourself" from someone or somethingGet the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/distance-yourself--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the

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15:50

Europe’s new border system causes airport chaos

Plain English ·

2026/08/17

Today's story: Europe’s new Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital records and biometric checks. But its rollout during peak travel season caused long lines, missed connections, and confusion at major airports. Technical problems, staffing shortages, and slow first-time registrations made the delays worse. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/891Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/891--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn

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11:33

Expression: On hand

Plain English ·

2026/08/13

Learn what it means to have something "on hand"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/on-hand-2--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the hardest words and phrases from

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15:16

Frozen yogurt is making a comeback

Plain English ·

2026/08/10

Today's story: Greek-style frozen yogurt is becoming popular around the world, thanks to its tangy flavor, bright appearance, and colorful toppings. Although it is marketed as a natural, high-protein treat, many versions contain little protein and a large amount of sugar. Its real appeal comes from its social-media-friendly look, customizable toppings, and simple business model. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/889Get the full story and learning resources:

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09:44

Expression: Up to date

Plain English ·

2026/08/06

Learn what it means to keep something "up to date"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/up-to-date--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com

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16:02

E-bikes: just like bicycles, but a bit less effort

Plain English ·

2026/08/03

Today's story: E-bikes combine traditional cycling with battery-powered assistance, helping riders travel faster, climb hills, and cover longer distances with less effort. They are popular for commuting, school drop-offs, deliveries, and light exercise. But they're more expensive and weigh more than traditional bicycles. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/887Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/887--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn

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10:37

Expression: Above and beyond

Plain English ·

2026/07/30

Learn what it means to go "above and beyond"Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/above-and-beyond--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the hardest words and phrases

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17:26

Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup

Plain English ·

2026/07/27

Today's story: Spain won its second World Cup on the strength of its defense, allowing just one goal in the entire tournament. In the final game, La Roja needed extra time to defeat defending champion Argentina 1-0, though the game was more one-sided than the score makes it seem. The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and the first to be hosted by three nations. All three hosts exited in the same round, in three consecutive days. Transcript & Exercises:

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08:38

Expression: Carry out

Plain English ·

2026/07/23

Learn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishesGet the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/carry-out--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again!See translations of the hardest words and phrases

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13:29

What’s it like when the sun never sets?

Plain English ·

2026/07/20

Today's story: In cities of the far north, it never gets fully dark around the summer solstice. Cities and towns celebrate with festivals, outdoor events, and late-night traditions, from baseball in Alaska to White Nights in St. Petersburg. But constant light can also affect sleep, so people use blackout curtains, dim lights, and other routines to help their bodies adjust. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/883Get the full story and learning resources:

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08:35

Expression: Put on

Plain English ·

2026/07/16

Learn a new way to use the phrasal verb, "put on."Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/put-on--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from

en

13:44

Summer vacation: a short history

Plain English ·

2026/07/13

Today's story: Have you ever heard that “summer vacation” from school started so kids could work on the farm? That common story is not true. The modern summer break began in cities, where wealthy families wanted to escape hot weather and schools adjusted their calendars. Over time, countries standardized school schedules, paid holidays became more common, and the family summer vacation became a tradition. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/881Get the full story and learning

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