Episodes

  • Expression: Make a difference
    May 7 2025

    Great news -- the expressions are back!

    "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen

    In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode!

    --

    Learn the English expression, "Expression: Make a difference"

    What does it mean to "make a difference?"

    This English expression has two meanings: Number one, to have a positive impact on the world. Or number 2, to have a noticeable effect.

    If someone volunteers at a food bank, you can say, "Her work really makes a difference." She's doing something good. She's having a positive impact on the world.

    Now imagine you change up your breakfast. Instead of having a muffin, you have a green smoothie. Now, you have more energy. Your new breakfast made a difference because it had a noticeable effect.

    --

    Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

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    16 mins
  • How a new pope is chosen
    May 5 2025

    Today's story: When a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals, made up of senior advisors, convenes at the Vatican to elect a successor. Cardinals under age 80 enter a secret Conclave inside the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in silence and prayer until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. White smoke signals the world that a new pope has been chosen.

    Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/772

    Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/772

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    Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

    You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

    How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

    The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

    --

    Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

    Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • These new high-rises are made of wood
    May 1 2025

    Today's story: Mass timber is a new type of engineered wood that allows buildings to reach heights once thought impossible for timber. It’s efficient to build, environmentally friendly, and gaining popularity in cities around the world, especially in Europe. But challenges like fire safety and moisture still remain.

    Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/771

    Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/771

    --

    Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

    You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

    How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

    The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

    --

    Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

    Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Expression: Look forward to
    Apr 30 2025

    Great news -- the expressions are back!

    "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen

    In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode!

    --

    Learn the English expression, "Expression: Look forward to"

    Are you happy or excited about something in the future? If so, you're "looking forward to" it

    You can look forward to an event, an activity, or even a time of year. If you have plans to see a movie this weekend, you can say, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie." That means you're happy about it.

    If it's just been a long, cold winter, you might even say, "I'm looking forward to the warm weather." That means, you'll be happy when the weather gets warmer.

    What about if something will happen and you're not happy about it? Just say you're not looking forward to it. "I'm not looking forward to this party." That means, the party is coming...but you don't want to go.

    So remember: "look forward to" is all about the way you feel about something that's coming in the future.

    --

    Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Big news: The Expressions are back!
    Apr 30 2025

    Big news from Plain English....

    The Expressions are coming back!

    Announcing... a brand-new podcast, "Essential English Expressions"

    Every episode in "Essential English Expressions" shows you step-by-step how to use an important expression in English.

    All 14 episodes of Season 1 are available for you to download or stream right now!

    Here is what to do:

    1. Click here to find "Essential English Expressions": https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen
    2. Subscribe to / Follow "Essential English Expressions" on your podcast app

    --

    Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Le Creuset turns 100
    Apr 28 2025

    Today's story: Le Creuset was founded in 1925 by two Belgian entrepreneurs who revolutionized cast iron cookware with colorful enamel and thoughtful design. Over 100 years, the company evolved from a local French producer into a global kitchen brand, with fans collecting its distinctive pieces and even passing them down to their kids.

    Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/770

    Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/770

    --

    Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

    You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

    How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

    The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

    --

    Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

    Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Updates: Daniel Kahneman, new euro, Rust movie
    Apr 24 2025

    Today's story: In this episode, you'll hear updates from several recent Plain English stories. Daniel Kahneman, who wrote the book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" died at age 90. What wasn't reported at the time: he went to Switzerland to end his own life. Plus, the movie "Rust" is coming out after the fatal gun accident on set. Standardized tests are making a comeback.

    Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/769

    Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/769

    --

    Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

    You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

    How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

    The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

    --

    Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

    Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Updates: Astronauts home; running records fall; no more Bitcoin in El Salvador
    Apr 21 2025

    Today's story: In this first of two update episodes, you'll hear the latest on several recent Plain English stories. The astronauts who were stranded in space have come home. The former Spanish soccer federation president was ordered to pay a fine for kissing a player after the World Cup. More running records fall, thanks to new shoe designs. El Salvador has dropped Bitcoin. Trump wants to pause the penny.

    Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/768

    Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/768

    --

    Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

    You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

    How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

    The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

    --

    Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

    Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Expressions are back!

    Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins