Plain English | Learn English | Vocabulary, News, And Culture At The Right Speed For English Language Learners

" A sharp increase in the number and scale of forest fires in the Amazon is threatening the world's largest rainforest. The fires have a variety of causes, but are principally the result of illegal logging and agriculture in the Amazon region. Brazilians are demanding action, especially after smoke darkened São Paulo one afternoon. The Brazilian government has struggled to respond effectively. Plus, learn the English phrase ""up to the task."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/185      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 a

Are you ready to take your English learning to the next level? Today, Jeff announces Plain English Plus+, the new membership that will help you express yourself and build your confidence in English. In addition to the free program, Plus+ members will also get: A fast version of each episode - pick the right speed for you! Video lessons showing you how to apply English tools and techniques in your writing and conversations Quizlet flash cards to help you build your vocabulary Translations of 100 words and phrases from each episode into SEVEN languages A monthly language skills course Read more about Plain English Plus+ at PlainEnglish.com/Plus or join now at PlainEnglish.com/join. Not ready to join? That's okay. The free podcast you know and love is not changing and we continue to offer additional free resources via our e-mail list at PlainEnglish.com/mail ** New episode tomorrow about the fires in the Amazon rainforest.

" Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are two companies chasing a new trend: veggie burgers that taste like the real thing. Fast-food chain Burger King now has an Impossible Whopper and Katy Perry dressed up as an Impossible Burger. The burgers are made with a variety of plant-based ingredients, but are heavily processed and may not be as ""healthy"" as they seem. On today's episode, Jeff tries one of each and shares his experience. Plus, learn the English phrase ""in keeping with."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/184      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsAp

" The Golden Gate Bridge is a marvel of engineering and the symbol of San Francisco, but it is also a magnet for suicides: over 1,700 people have jumped to their deaths since the bridge opened in 1937. But today, a preventative net is being installed. Though it has a high pricetag and will alter the bridge's aesthetic, it will probably prevent hundreds of suicides each year. Plus, learn the English phrase ""in the prime of your life."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/183      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add u

" Colombian Egan Bernal became the first cyclist from Latin America, and the youngest in over 110 years, to win the Tour de France. He took the lead in the second-to-last stage of the three-week race, passing Julian Alaphillippe on the highest paved pass in the Alps. The 22-year-old from Zipaquirá recovered from injuries and several surgeries this year to win cycling's most prestigious race. Plus, learn what it means to ""make a push."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/182      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add

" Protests in Hong Kong continue to escalate as they enter their tenth week. What started as a protest against an extradition bill has expanded into a widespread movement that has at times turned violent, leading several countries to issue travel warnings. Hong Kong, which is part of China, has a much more open economy and political system than the mainland, under a system of ""one country, two systems."" However, that is being tested as Beijing seeks to exert more control over Hong Kong. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""let up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/181      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail

" Research has shown that having more money equals more happiness, but with some major exceptions. First, more money means more happiness with incomes up to about $50,000 to $75,000 per year in the United States. Beyond that, the ""happiness effect"" of more money is much less. Among the super-rich, you can be happier by giving your money away or by earning it yourself (instead of inheriting it). Plus, learn what it means to be ""better off."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/180      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 a

" Is it possible to measure happiness? Scientists have tried various methods, but the most reliable way to measure a person's happiness is simply to ask via a survey. Happiness science has shown that there are several factors that influence a person's happiness level, including genetics, circumstances, and intentional activities. Plus, learn what ""give away"" means. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/179      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like t

" A decades-old mystery of a missing girl took a surprising turn after thousands of unidentified bones were discovered in a cemetery beneath the Vatican City. The family of Emanuela Orlandi, a girl who disappeared at age 15 after leaving a music lesson 36 years ago, was hopeful that the discovery would shed some light on the girl's disappearance. Plus, learn what it means to be ""dogged by"" something. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/178      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive mess

" João Gilberto, the Brazilian singer who created the ""bossa nova"" musical style in the 1950s, died at age 88. Over a 60-year musical career, the singer won several Grammys, performed around the world, and was recognized as a cultural treasure of Brazil. The singer was most famous for ""The Girl From Ipanema,"" which is one of Brazil's most recognized songs. Plus, learn the English phrase ""keep to yourself."" Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/177      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to re

" Surf's up and people around the Northern Hemisphere are thinking of taking some time off for vacation. On today's episode, we talk about how paid vacation time varies around the world--from Brazil (30 mandated days) to the United States (exactly zero). We also explore the personal and professional benefits of having time away from work. Plus, learn what it means ""to leave something on the table"" in negotiations. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/176      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts t

" Scientists have discovered hundreds of species of butterflies, frogs, fish, and other animals deep in the rainforest in Honduras. The government sent a team of explorers to document the biodiversity in a region surrounding a ""lost city"" in the Mosquitia rainforest. The scientists discovered many rare species living there, including many that were thought to be extinct. Plus, learn what it means to do something ""at the behest of"" another person. Read the full transcript of this episode at https://www.plainenglish.com/175      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967

" In the third in our series of destinations, we visit Mumbai, India's largest city and its cultural and financial capital. It's home to majestic buildings, a thriving film industry, delicious street food, lively nightlife, the world's largest outdoor laundry, and the world-famous dabbawalas, who deliver 200,000 lunches each day. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""clear out."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/174      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR!

" Call it the next frontier of marketing: big companies, including hotels, are using scents to build brand loyalty. The companies want to use scents to create positive memories among customers. They may be on to something: studies show people remember scents more than they remember images. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""latch onto."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/173      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a

" An eclipse of the sun crossed Chile and Argentina on July 2, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists. The eclipse zone crossed Chile's desert areas, which include observatories. Though the view was clear in most areas, clouds obscured the view in Buenos Aires. The next solar eclipse will also cross through Chile and Argentina in 2020. Plus learn the English expression ""put to use."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/172      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff a

Ekrem Imamoglu won a convincing victory in a re-run of last spring's mayoral election in Istanbul. Imamoglu won the first vote by 0.2%, but the vote was canceled under pressure by the powerful AK party. In a re-run of the vote, Imamoglu won a thumping nine-point victory, a stinging rebuke to Turkey's president. Plus, learn the English expression ""bow to pressure."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/171      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the

" A group of behavioral economists studied how people around the world react to finding a ""lost"" wallet. 17,000 wallets later, they discovered whether a wallet with cash is more or less likely to be returned, and the result might not be what you think. Plus, learn English expression ""get your hopes up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/170      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you liste

" Nine American tourists have died so far this year while vacationing in the Dominican Republic, including several people who got sick and died after drinking alcohol. Authorities now suspect that counterfeit liquor may be responsible for some of the deaths, while local tourism officials scramble to save the Caribbean island's reputation. Plus, learn how to use the phrase ""can't help but."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/169      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Je

" Facebook announced a new cryptocurrency, the Libra, which will be governed by a nonprofit in Switzerland. The currency, which will be available in 2020, has the backing of major e-commerce brands, but carries risks. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""hold up."" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/168      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. It will help others discover the progr

" The newest generation of mobile technology--called 5G--will transform the mobile internet as much as 4G did. The fast speed, high capacity, and low latency will make a lot of new things possible, including augmented reality and self-driving vehicles. Plus, learn what it means to ""roll something out"" Read the full transcript of this episode at http://www.plainenglish.com/167      Transcripts are always free and available now! ¿Hablas español? Você fala português? Parles-tu français? 你会说中文吗？日本語を話せますか？ The episode transcripts include instant translations from English to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. Hover over or tap a highlighted word for the translation. Connect with Jeff on Twitter (@PlainEnglishPod) and Facebook (PlainEnglishPod). Or e-mail jeff@plainenglish.com **NEW** Connect with us on WhatsApp! Send a message to +1 312 967-8757 and add us to your contacts to receive messages from Jeff and JR! If you like the program, please leave a review or rating wherever you listen. I