

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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 25, 2024 • 22min
America's South is booming (Safety net)
The podcast discusses the booming growth in America's South, highlighting states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia. They explore the concept of a 'safety net' and its significance in uncertain times, covering personal and social safety nets in the U.S., including savings, insurance, and government policies.

Jul 22, 2024 • 24min
What it's like to live in the Midwest (Fall on hard times)
Learn about living in the Midwest, the challenges of facing financial struggles, and the economic downturns in the region. Explore the revitalization of Detroit and the success of the Detroit Lions, with a preview of the South's economy.

Jul 18, 2024 • 21min
A typical American household budget (All in)
Explore a typical American household budget with $100,000 income. Learn about budgeting, trade-offs, and the concept of 'all in'. Reflect on a costly parking mistake and missed investment opportunity. Visit Plain English website for more resources.

Jul 15, 2024 • 22min
Typical U.S. salaries by profession (Take out)
Explore typical U.S. salaries by profession, from lawyers to teachers. Learn the English expression 'take out' for obtaining loans or insurance. Discover the concept of insurance policies and loans, including life insurance and subscriptions.

Jul 11, 2024 • 20min
America's best small museums (Pop culture)
Discover the best small museums in the US, from Andy Warhol Museum to National WWII Museum. Explore pop culture and its impact on language learning. Learn about diverse museums showcasing history, art, sports, and more. Dive into trivia about pop culture icons like Taylor Swift and BTS. Enhance English skills with resources on plainenglish.com.

Jul 8, 2024 • 20min
The best big museums in America (Make a difference)
Explore the best big museums in America, including The Met, The Art Institute, and The Getty Center. Learn about air and space, the history of the automobile, and the world's biggest children's museum. Discover how to 'make a difference' and improve your English skills with common expressions and phrasal verbs.

Jul 4, 2024 • 22min
Is west-coast living really better? (Year-round)
Learn about the lifestyle on the west coast with its pleasant weather and cultural advancements. Explore the pros and cons of living in California, Oregon, and Washington, including the high costs and innovative companies. Discover the concept of bi-coastal living and upcoming episodes on museum culture in the US.

Jul 1, 2024 • 21min
East-coast living: the pros and cons (Focus on)
A podcast discusses living on the East Coast, highlighting benefits like rich history and culture, but also mentioning harsh winters. They explore the concept of 'focus on' and its importance in achieving goals. The show offers English language learning opportunities for listeners to improve their skills.

Jun 27, 2024 • 21min
Dollar stores dominate rural America (Fall out of fashion)
Listen to a discussion on how dollar stores have become a big business, offering rock-bottom prices on various products. Explore the concept of 'falling out of fashion' and the reasons behind outdated trends like fax machines and CDs. Discover upcoming topics on investment trends and American life, with a focus on improving English skills.

Jun 24, 2024 • 22min
Bad harvests are pushing up orange juice prices (Worthwhile)
Bad harvests in Brazil and Florida are driving up orange juice prices globally. Producers are debating using lower-quality blends or adding other citrus fruits. Farmers are uncertain if it's worth planting new trees. The podcast also discusses the concept of 'worthwhile' in various scenarios, such as trips, meetings, and investments. Plus, upcoming topics include dollar stores and East Coast vs West Coast living comparisons.


