PODCAST · education
Plain English
by 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.
Episodes
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New way to catch burglars: DNA in the air
Today's story: Burglars often leave no fingerprints or hair behind, but they may still leave traces of themselves floating in the air. What if that could be used to help solve crimes? In an experiment in Oslo, Norway and Adelaide, Australia, researchers staged fake burglaries, and then tried to...
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New women's record to solve a Rubik's cube
Today's story: Six-year-old Lian Yunzhi from China set a new Rubik’s cube world record with an average time of 4.27 seconds, breaking her own record just three days after setting it. The Rubik’s cube has fascinated and frustrated puzzle lovers for decades, but competitive speedcubers have…
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Five more favorites from 900 episodes
Today's story: We continue our look back at 900 Plain English lessons with five more favorite topics. We revisit stories about airport chapels, the history of QR codes, what makes a good apology, the debate over top sheets, and the surprising way anti-venom is made. Transcript & Exercises:...
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Highlights from 900 Plain English stories
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…
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France lends the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum
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…
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America is united in opposition to data centers
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...
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Dolly Parton was a great singer and a better person
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...
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Expression: Eat away at
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories...
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Postcards are fading into the past
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...
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Expression: Better off
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories...
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Meet the lab-made SpudCell
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...
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Expression: Distance yourself
Learn what it means to "distance yourself" from someone or something Get 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 English Clear, natural English at a speed...
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Europe’s new border system causes airport chaos
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...
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Expression: On hand
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New…
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Frozen yogurt is making a comeback
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…
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Expression: Up to date
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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E-bikes: just like bicycles, but a bit less effort
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...
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Expression: Above and beyond
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup
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…
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Expression: Carry out
Learn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishes Get 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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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What’s it like when the sun never sets?
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...
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Expression: Put on
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 English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New…
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Summer vacation: a short history
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...
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Expression: Turn down
Learn what it means to "turn down" an offer Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-down -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories...
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Five early stories from the World Cup
Today's story: The 2026 World Cup is making headlines both on and off the field. FIFA's high ticket prices have not hurt demand, new hydration breaks are changing the pace of games, and fans are creating memorable moments—from South Korea and Mexico's soccer friendship to Scotland's takeover of...
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Expression: Stay put
Learn what it means to "stay put." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/stay-put -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories every week...
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America turns 250 without a proper party
The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, but the milestone has lacked the excitement and national unity that marked the bicentennial in 1976. Years of delays, partisan disagreements, competing organizations, and cancelled projects have left the country without a coherent...
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Expression: All of a sudden
Learn the English expression, "all of a sudden." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/all-of-a-sudden -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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Should you 'Skip intro'?
Today's story: Television title sequences began as a way to introduce shows and credit the people who made them. As viewing habits changed from channel-surfing to streaming and binge-watching, opening sequences evolved from explanations of a show to mood-setting artistic statements. The rise of...
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Expression: With a straight face
Learn the English expression, "with a straight face." (Can you keep one?) Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/with-a-straight-face -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at…
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Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are the new cola rivals
Today's story: The 'cola wars' of the 1980s and 1990s pitted Coca-Cola against Pepsi. Both brands had their classic recipes and their 'diet' alternatives. But as consumers pivoted away from full-sugar sodas, makers of fizzy drinks found a new hit: 'zero-sugar' recipes that tasted just like the...
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Expression: Grow up
Learn the English expression "grow up" (and why even fully grown adults sometimes need to do it sometimes) Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/grow-up -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear,...
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Free and cheap houses in Japan (with a catch)
Today's story: Japan has millions of vacant homes, especially in rural areas where populations are shrinking. Some of these properties, known as akiya, are sold for surprisingly low prices or even given away for free. While they attract adventurous buyers from around the world, many require...
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Expression: Boil over
Learn the English phrasal verb, "boil over." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/boil-over -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories...
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Paris catacombs reopen after renovation
Today's story: Beneath the streets of Paris is a huge network of underground tunnels filled with the bones of millions of former residents. Originally built as limestone quarries, the tunnels became a burial site in the 1700s after Paris’s cemeteries became overcrowded and unhealthy. The city...
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Expression: Hold out hope
Learn the English expression, "hold out hope" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/hold-out-hope -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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Route 66 and the classic American road trip
Today's story: Route 66 was created in 1926 as part of America’s new national highway system and soon became a symbol of freedom, migration, and adventure. The highway helped farmers transport goods, guided Dust Bowl migrants west to California, and later became famous for family road trips,...
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Expression: Get away with
Learn the English phrasal verb, "get away with" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/get-away-with -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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Prediction markets let you bet on world events
Today's story: Prediction markets allow people to bet on elections, weather, wars, and other real-world events. Supporters say these markets reveal valuable information more quickly than polls or experts can. But recent scandals suggest that some users may be illegally profiting from military...
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Expression: Blend in
Learn the English phrasal verb, "blend in" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/blend-in -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories…
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What it's like to ride in a self-driving car
Today's story: What's it like to ride in a self-driving car? Jeff gives you a first-hand account of his first-ever ride in a robotaxi. In cities like Los Angeles, where Waymo operates, the future is already here. Requesting a car is just like using Uber. All that's left is to sit back and let the...
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Expression: Straighten out
Learn the English phrasal verb, "Straighten out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/straighten-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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Self driving cars are officially here
Today's story: Self-driving cars have struggled for decades because driving requires human judgment in unpredictable situations. Early systems relied on strict rules, which failed in rare “long-tail” events. New AI systems can better handle these complex scenarios, leading to rapid growth in…
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Expression: Fill out
Learn the English phrasal verb, "fill out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/fill-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories…
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Updates: Louvre theft, BTS return, and premium economy boom
Today's story: French authorities arrested suspects in the Louvre heist, but there was another high-profile museum robbery. The Air Canada CEO resigned over his limited French. Premium economy is booming, BTS is back, and King Tut's tomb is on full display in Egypt. Transcript & Exercises:...
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Expression: Track down
Learn the English expression, "track down" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/track-down -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New stories...
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Should AI be allowed in books?
Today's story: Hachette, a major book publisher, pulled a horror novel from bookstore shelves after online critics found the text was full of the telltale signs of artificial intelligence. The author, Mia Ballard, says that a freelance editor may have used ChatGPT, but that the story was her own...
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Expression: Add up
Learn the English expression, "Add up" Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/add-up -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand New...
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The growing popularity of mahjong
Today's story: Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile game, is gaining popularity again around the world. Once a major trend in the U.S., it declined for decades but survived in small communities. Now, clubs, apps, and pop culture are introducing it to new players, drawn by its mix of strategy…
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Expression: Figure out
Learn how to use the English phrasal verb, "figure out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/figure-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English: Learn about the world and improve your English Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Jeff at Plain English
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Plain English have?
Plain English currently has 925 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Plain English about?
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...
How often does Plain English release new episodes?
Plain English releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 925 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
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You can listen to Plain English on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Plain English?
Plain English is created and hosted by Jeff at Plain English.
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