Plain English

Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigns amid a corruption scandal. The ex-President left after having alienated his supporters and antagonized his opponents in Congress. His resignation comes after he pardoned another ex-president, Alberto Fujimori. In the second half of the episode, we talk about the English expression “the last straw.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/36 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Facebook is suffering from a series of scandals related to data privacy. As a result, some people are trying to #DeleteFacebook. Do you know how much information Facebook knows about you? Some users were surprised at what the social network had collected about them. At the end of the episode, we’ll talk about the English phrase “to gather steam.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/35 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Operation Car Wash—the massive investigation into corruption in Brazil that has stretched on for five years—will be the topic of a new series on Netflix directed by José Padilha. The eight-part series, called “The Mechanism,” centers on one criminal money-launderer and two investigators. The crux of the scandal is corruption—and we talk about how to use the word “crux” in English. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/34 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

A self-driving Uber car struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona, raising questions about the safety of the entire industry of autonomous vehicles. The 49-year-old woman was walking her bike across the street when she was hit by the Volvo SUV. The human operator, whose job was to intervene in an emergency, wasn’t looking at the road at the time. Could this be a turning point for self-driving cars? We also review the English phrase “turning point.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/33 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

eSports—competitive video-gaming—are gaining in popularity in the United States among males under age 25. As a result, new venues are being built to accommodate live video-game competitions. One venue took over NBC Studios in California; another is being built in Texas. eSports are starting to catch on in the United States; we’ll also review how to use the phrasal verb “catch on.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/32 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Stephen Hawking, the physicist who studied gravity, black holes and the origins of the universe, and who used a distinctive computerized voice after losing his ability to speak, died last week at age 76. He lived for 50 years with ALS after having been given just a few years to live after his diagnosis. The English phrase today is “do justice.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/31 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture around the world, featuring parades, Irish music and dance, whiskey, and beer. The holiday originally honored St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who brought Catholicism to the island and taught the inhabitants about the Holy Trinity by using a three-leaf clover. Plus, we talk about how to use the phrasal verb “scale back.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/30 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Toymaker Mattel has released a Frida Kahlo Barbie Doll in honor of International Women’s Day—but some in Mexico think it’s not an accurate representation of the famous Mexican artists. Plus, one of Frida Kahlo’s descendants claims Mattel didn’t secure the rights to the artist’s image. Even so, Mattel seems to be on solid legal ground—and we also talk about what it means to be on solid ground. Link to Frida picture: http://www.PlainEnglish.com/Frida Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/29 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

The hit music streaming service Spotify is preparing to go public—and in the process is revealing some information about its business for the first time, including its ambitions to change the entire music industry. Learn how many users it has, what major labels get payouts, and how people have tried to game the system—and what the English expression “game the system” means. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/28 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

The Shape of Water won Best Picture at the Oscars on Sunday night, while Frances McDormand won Best Actress for her role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Gary Oldman won Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. Mexican director Guillermo del Toro won for his work on The Shape of Water. Learn how to use the English phrase “cut a deal.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/27 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

The Communist Party of China has proposed changing to constitution to remove term limits for Chinese president Xi Jinping in a break with the country's tradition of changing leaders every decade. The move caused a backlash on Chinese social media. In the second half of the podcast, we talk about the English expression “akin to.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/26 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Billy Graham, the American preacher whose crusades personally reached hundreds of millions of people, died at age 99. He became just the fourth private citizen to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC. Through his remarkable career, he counseled 12 U.S. presidents, preached with Martin Luther King, Jr., and consoled the American people after tragedy. In the second half of the program, we review how to use the phrasal verb “carry out.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/25 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

A 17-year-old shot and killed 17 people at a school he once attended in Florida. Another 12 people were injured in the attack. Mass shootings at schools and in public places are an unfortunate exception to the improving overall safety in America. The English phrase “pour out” means to empty. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/24 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

The Lunar New Year began this week with celebrations across Asia. In China, families follow traditions associated with good luck, dressing in new clothes, eating long noodles to symbolize a long life, and giving gifts wrapped in red. Large cities around the world mark the New Year with fireworks and parades. In the second half of the program, we talk about the phrasal verb “sweep away.” Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/23 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

A fan-produced movie called “Voldemort: Origins of the Heir” was released on YouTube last month, free of charge. The movie is an unofficial “prequel” that tells the story of how Tom Riddle became Voldemort. Warner Brothers, the Hollywood studio that owns the rights to Harry Potter films, allowed the movie to be produced as long as it was released without charge. Plus, learn English phrasal verb “come out” when talking about books and movies. Movie link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6SZa5U8sIg Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/22 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

PyeongChang, South Korea, is host to the Winter Olympics. In the chilly opening ceremony, North and South Korea marched under one flag—and one athlete marched without a shirt on. A 17-year-old American won a gold medal in snowboarding. The third time was the charm for PyongChang because it lost two previous bids; we talk about how to use “the third time’s the charm” in English. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/21 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny was arrested on his way to a rally in Moscow. Navalny is the leader of a movement to boycott the upcoming presidential election in March. He wanted to be a candidate, but was barred due to a conviction that was widely considered to be political. Will his supporters vote against Putin or boycott the election? Plus, we talk about how to use “turn out” to describe how many people attend an event or participate in an election. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/20 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

In one of America’s strangest holidays, a groundhog predicts that winter will last six more weeks. The tradition inspired the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” and draws large crowds to a small town in western Pennsylvania. The groundhog says we have to suffer through six more weeks of winter—his usual prediction—and we talk about what “suffer through” means. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/19 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get exclusive links for further reading and additional practice with common English words and phrases. Learn English with podcasts! Use Plain English and other podcasts to build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and speak English better.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

A Mexican government official suggested legalizing marijuana in tourist areas to reduce violence, but a majority of Mexicans appear to be against the idea. Canada and several US states have made the drug legal for recreational use. Would Mexico ever follow their lead in legalizing marijuana? Plus, we review what it means to “get your fix” of something—be it drugs or chocolate. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/18 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It helps others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Plus, get links to English articles and two additional words each week. Want to learn more about Jeff? Check out the interview he did with Katie from ESL Expressions at http://www.plainenglish.com/interview 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

One of the biggest dates on the American cultural calendar is the first weekend of February—Super Bowl Sunday. On this episode of Plain English, we talk about the American traditions for football’s biggest game, including the halftime show, the commercials, and the ways you can bet on the game. The game pits the Patriots against the Eagles, and we’ll explain what it means to pit one thing against another. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/17 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail Subscribers get links for extra reading and a bonus vocabulary word for each episode. Want to learn more about Plain English? Check out the interview Jeff did with Katie from ESL Expressions at http://www.plainenglish.com/interviewMentioned 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

A collector’s bottle of vodka, made of gold and silver and decorated with diamonds and classic car parts, was stolen from the basement of a bar in Copenhagen, Denmark. Police found the (empty) bottle at a construction site a few days later. The bottle’s owner says he was saved by “the vodka god.” Plus we review what it means to get “cold feet” before a big decision—and it has nothing to do with temperature. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/16 Transcripts are always free and posted as soon as the show is released. ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail 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

Today on Plain English: Do you have a historical double—in a painting? A new feature in a Google app will search historical artwork and tell you which painting or portrait most looks like you. But the app only works in the US due to privacy laws. Some people are concerned that Google may use the data for more than just lighthearted fun. Plus, we review what it means to “push the limit”—and how one person pushed the limit by searching for a cartoon character’s match in Google’s archives. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/15 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating on Apple Podcasts. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail 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

Today on Plain English: Media mogul Oprah Winfrey gave an inspirational speech at the Golden Globe Awards in January, focusing on injustice and sexual abuse and harassment scandals. Could that be the first step in a potential run for president? We talk about a few reasons why it might be—and a few reasons why it might not be. Our English phrase is speak up, meaning to not stay silent about something on your mind. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/14 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail 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

Today on Plain English: North Korea announced it will send a delegation of athletes to the Winter Olympics, being held in Pyeongchang, just 40 miles from the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two countries. The two Koreas may compete together with a single women’s ice hockey team and North Korea is expected to have a pair of figure skaters compete. Our English word is "rocky." We talk about what it means to be off to a rocky start—or a smooth start, depending on the situation. Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/13 Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, French and Chinese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail [email protected] If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the program. Never miss an episode! Sign up to receive updates from Plain English at http://www.plainenglish.com/mail 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

A UK charity encourages people to give up alcohol for the month of January. Those who do experience better sleep, weight loss, and better health—but does it make a big difference? Oregon is one of only two states that have full-service gas stations, but that’s about to change. Plus we review English words “sober” and “quirky.” GREAT NEWS if you speak CHINESE, FRENCH, or SPANISH! Follow along with interactive transcripts at plainenglish.com/12 - hover over (or tap) a highlighted word for an instant translation. PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/12 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] Plain English recommends... Do you transfer money overseas? If so, TransferWise is the best and cheapest international money transfer service out there. Stop paying hidden fees to banks and money agents. Visit plainenglish.com/money to read more about TransferWise.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

Protesters in Iran are demonstrating against the government, focusing on the economic conditions that include high unemployment and high inflation. The government has shut down social media in response. Many countries have their own New Year’s traditions, including fireworks, religious observances and, in Indonesia, a mass wedding. Plus we review English expressions “shut down” and “bucket list.” DO YOU ENJOY PLAIN ENGLISH? If so, then please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. It will help new listeners discover the show. PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/11 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

An electrical fire below ground knocked out power at the Atlanta airport—the world’s busiest—for eleven hours just eight days before Christmas. Passengers were left in the dark, wondering what to do; many had to sleep in the airport that night. Spain’s annual Christmas lottery is a national event and has thousands of winners; the results are sung out by children on national television. Plus we review English vocabulary words “stranded” and “fundraiser.” DO YOU ENJOY PLAIN ENGLISH? If so, then please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen. It will help new listeners discover the show. PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/10 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

Saudi Arabia will allow construction of new movie theaters, after a 35-year prohibition. Theater chains are ready to dive into a new market, but some questions remain about censorship and how this deeply religious country will embrace the cinema experience. Facebook has admitted that its users may experience some negative mental health effects from using social media. Plus, we practice English expressions “dive in” and “wind up.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/09 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

A series of deadly wildfires has broken out in Southern California; they have been spread by strong, dry winds. The fires have caused over 200,000 people to evacuate their homes and have come dangerously close to the city’s famous Getty Museum. The International Olympic Committee has banned Russia from competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics, although some Russian athletes will be able to compete under a generic Olympic flag. We also review English phrases “crack down on” and “caught up in.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/08 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

Disney’s 3-D animated film “Coco”, which is rich with Mexican cultural references, is officially the highest-grossing film ever in Mexico and is popular in the United States. Its all-Latino cast, accurate portrayal of Mexican folklore, and rich animation have contributed to its popularity. Britain’s Prince Harry is engaged to American actress Meghan Markle; the two will marry in the spring in Windsor Castle, just outside of London. We also practice “to go over well” and “to die down.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. This episode is available at http://www.plainenglish.com/07 Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

Charles Manson, a cult leader whose followers brutally killed nine people and terrorized Los Angeles in 1969, died in jail of natural causes at age 83. A team of students submitted a design for constructing a sustainable city on Mars. The team envisions a series of domes covering a network of underground tunnels that could house up to 10,000 people. We also practice English phrases “hold a grudge” and “come about.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

The Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world, opens a second location in Abu Dhabi that will tell the stories of eastern and western civilization through artwork. In China, shoppers spent a record $25 billion on Singles Day; what was originally a light-hearted protest of Valentine’s Day has become the world’s biggest shopping day. We review English phrases “shore up”, “spill into”, and “throw weight behind.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

An American family escaped a pirate attack in a remote area of the Brazilian Amazon and survived in the jungle for three days. Selena, the Mexican-American artist known as the Queen of Tejano music received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this month. In the second half of the program, we review the English expressions ‘hitch a ride’ and ‘on behalf’. PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send me a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

Catalonia’s leaders make a bid for independence, but regional president Carles Puigdemont is arrested. The Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time in their franchise history. In the second half of the program, we review the English expressions “stop short” and “a stretch.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

The Vegas Golden Knights, a hockey team, became the first major league sports team to call Las Vegas home. Tom Petty, one of the most well-known rock and roll musicians, died at the age of 66. In the second half of the program, we review the English expressions “make a splash” and “take refuge.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

A series of three large earthquakes hit Mexico in the last month, including the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over a century.The new features of the iPhone X are impressive, including what is possibly the newest word in the English language, “animoji.”In the second half of the program, we review examples of the English phrases “bundled up” and “comb through.” PLAIN ENGLISH is a weekly podcast for intermediate English students. The pace of the show is a little slower than native English speech and listeners can read the transcript as they listen so they never miss a word. FULL TRANSCRIPTS of the show are available for free online at plainenglish.com. Practice your English by reading transcripts as you listen. Stay in touch with us! Sign up to receive email updates and exclusive content at plainenglish.com/mail ¿Hablas español? No hay problema. Lee transcripciones interactivas con traducciones de palabras y frases en español. Visita a plainenglish.com/es y busca este episodio. ENGAGE with the show by writing to Jeff on Twitter (@plainenglishpod) or Facebook (plainenglishpod) USE your new English! Each episode has English vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and English expressions. Use your new English vocabulary in a sentence in the comments at the bottom of the show’s web page or send us a message on Twitter or Facebook and I might read your example on an upcoming show. Questions? Email me! [email protected] 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

Would you like to speak English better? Do you have a hard time understanding native speakers because they go too fast? Do you want to learn English expressions and practice with phrasal verbs? If so, then you are in the right place.Plain English is a free slower-speed podcast for people learning English. Each lesson includes a discussion about an interesting topic and an explanation of one English word or phrase.Come join Jeff and JR every Monday and Thursday for new episodes of Plain English. Click "subscribe" to get the newest episodes downloaded to your phone automatically.For even more free English resources, sign up to get our e-mail updates at PlainEnglish.com/mailBy joining our free e-mail list, you'll get: An explanation of an additional word or phrase from every episode (over 100 per year!) Links to English-language articles about the main topic (test your understanding!) A summary of the new episode Want to learn more? Check out our home page at PlainEnglish.com