

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
Dec 21, 2023 • 22min
Six ways to fail (Root cause)
" Failure is part of life. But not everything that goes wrong is the same. Sometimes, we should assign blame. Other times, failure is a good thing. A Harvard professor put failure into six categories. Knowing them can help you understand the things that go wrong in your own life. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/635 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
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Dec 18, 2023 • 20min
Drought in Panama complicates canal traffic (In place)
The podcast discusses the drought in Panama and its impact on the Panama Canal, resulting in reduced crossings and higher costs for shippers. It explores alternative routes and transportation methods. The podcast also touches on the concept of 'in place' and discusses Apple's succession plan for Tim Cook. It mentions the translation feature in the podcast's plus membership and the system for translating content. The policies in place, such as social distancing during the pandemic and restrictions by the Panama Canal Authority due to the drought, are also discussed.
Dec 14, 2023 • 22min
Iceland braces for a volcanic eruption (Up close)
The podcast discusses the potential eruption of a volcano in Iceland and the precautionary evacuation of a town. It explores the geological factors behind the increased seismic activity, the discovery of a new corridor of magma, and the cyclical nature of volcanic activity. Additionally, the hosts explore the remixing in country music and the concept of 'up close' in different contexts.
Dec 11, 2023 • 22min
Battle for sunken treasure off Colombia's coast (Destined for)
Explore the ownership dispute over a shipwreck off Colombia's coast, the contrasting reactions of gold and silver when exposed to water, failed journeys and the concept of being destined for a particular destination, and the idea of being destined for greatness and representing different sides of an argument.
Dec 7, 2023 • 19min
The new attraction in Las Vegas is a giant ball (Get going)
Las Vegas has a new entertainment complex called 'Sphere' with a 16K LED screen, haptic seating, and screens on the exterior. It will host concerts, films, and e-sports events. The impressive spherical building offers a multi-sensory experience with vibrations, scent, wind, and temperature. U2 performed at the sphere, and the phrase 'let's get going' is explored in different contexts. This podcast is about Sphere's unique structure and experiences, as well as starting and urging in various situations.
Dec 4, 2023 • 21min
Can’t sleep 8 hours? There’s still hope (Catch up)
" Most sleep advice focuses on how much sleep you get. And while that's important, a new study also shows that consistency is also important. People who get irregular sleep perform worse in tests and suffer physically. Today, learn what ""regular sleep"" means and what its benefits are. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/630 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Nov 30, 2023 • 24min
SBF: Villain or a careless founder in over his head? | Learn English expression 'in tatters'
" The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried lasted over a month. During that time, the prosecution called several witnesses that detailed fraud against customers and lenders of Bankman-Fried's businesses. But the defense argued that this was a terrible mistake, but not a fraud. The jury found him guilty. After a monthlong trial, jurors needed just five hours to decide. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/629 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Nov 27, 2023 • 23min
The sad story of Sam Bankman-Fried | Learn English phrasal verb 'pay off'
Sam Bankman-Fried, a young crypto billionaire, started the supposedly safe exchange FTX which eventually collapsed. The podcast explores his rise and downfall, highlighting his success in crypto trading and the concept of 'pay off'. It also discusses his work at Jane Street Capital and includes personal anecdotes and a Cyber Monday promotion.
Nov 23, 2023 • 22min
Celine Dion is keeping New Zealanders up all night | Learn English expression 'rig together'
" A subculture of Pasifika people in New Zealand has a strange tradition: playing music through megaphones and loudspeakers. They try to play music as loud and as clearly as possible. And because their speakers don't produce bass, they play songs from artists like Celine Dion. Not everyone in this town is happy about it. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/627 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de inglés. Se habla a una velocidad lenta para que todos entiendan. ¡Aprende ingles con nosotros ahora! | Aprenda Inglês online grátis com o Plain English, a uma velocidade menor, para que todos possam entender. Contact: E-mail jeff@plainenglish.com | WhatsApp +1 312 967 8757 | Facebook PlainEnglishPod | Instagram PlainEnglishPod | Twitter @PlainEnglishPod "Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app
Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com
Nov 20, 2023 • 23min
Why are movies getting longer? | Learn English expression 'upper hand'
The podcast explores the rising trend of longer movies despite audience preference for shorter films. It discusses the influence of power dynamics in Hollywood and the impact of streaming platforms. The experience of watching long movies and the benefits of using the Run P app are also explored. The chapter focuses on the relationship between directors and producers and their negotiation process. Moreover, it delves into the increasing power of directors in making long artistic movies and discusses the recent labor strike by auto workers. Exciting Black Friday special offer announcement concludes the podcast.


