Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Plain English
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolly Parton was a great singer and a better person | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:15:36 | |
Today's story: Dolly Parton, the country music singer, died at age 80. She rose from rural poverty to become one of the most celebrated musical artists of her generation. While she was famous for her music, she was beloved for her personality. Generous, authentic, and accepting, she united fans from many different worlds. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/897 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/897 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Eat away at | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:12:01 | |
Learn the English expression, "eat away at" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/eat-away-at -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Postcards are fading into the past | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:14:27 | |
Today's story: The first postcards were sold in the late 1800s and quickly became a popular way to communicate. In the days before social media (and even consumer photography), they were a fast and cheap way to communicate. But across the world, postcard usage is falling sharply (except one specific type of postcard). Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/895 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/895 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Better off | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:07:03 | |
Learn the English expression, "better off" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/better-off -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Meet the lab-made SpudCell | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:14:17 | |
Today's story: Scientists at the University of Minnesota built a synthetic cell entirely from non-living chemical ingredients. Called SpudCell, it can absorb nutrients, copy its genetic code, divide into two, and even show natural selection over several generations. However, it still depends on scientists to supply key cellular machinery, cannot reproduce forever, and does not always pass on a complete set of DNA. Researchers hope this fully documented cell will help them understand how life works and eventually develop engineered cells that can produce fuels, plastics, or medicines. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/893 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/893 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Distance yourself | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:12:41 | |
Learn what it means to "distance yourself" from someone or something Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/distance-yourself -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Europe’s new border system causes airport chaos | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:15:50 | |
Today's story: Europe’s new Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital records and biometric checks. But its rollout during peak travel season caused long lines, missed connections, and confusion at major airports. Technical problems, staffing shortages, and slow first-time registrations made the delays worse. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/891 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/891 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: On hand | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:11:33 | |
Learn what it means to have something "on hand" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/on-hand-2 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Frozen yogurt is making a comeback | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:15:16 | |
Today's story: Greek-style frozen yogurt is becoming popular around the world, thanks to its tangy flavor, bright appearance, and colorful toppings. Although it is marketed as a natural, high-protein treat, many versions contain little protein and a large amount of sugar. Its real appeal comes from its social-media-friendly look, customizable toppings, and simple business model. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/889 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/889 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Up to date | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:09:44 | |
Learn what it means to keep something "up to date" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/up-to-date -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| E-bikes: just like bicycles, but a bit less effort | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:16:02 | |
Today's story: E-bikes combine traditional cycling with battery-powered assistance, helping riders travel faster, climb hills, and cover longer distances with less effort. They are popular for commuting, school drop-offs, deliveries, and light exercise. But they're more expensive and weigh more than traditional bicycles. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/887 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/887 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Above and beyond | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:10:37 | |
Learn what it means to go "above and beyond" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/above-and-beyond -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:17:26 | |
Today's story: Spain won its second World Cup on the strength of its defense, allowing just one goal in the entire tournament. In the final game, La Roja needed extra time to defeat defending champion Argentina 1-0, though the game was more one-sided than the score makes it seem. The 2026 World Cup was the first to feature 48 teams, and the first to be hosted by three nations. All three hosts exited in the same round, in three consecutive days. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/885 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/885 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Carry out | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:08:38 | |
Learn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishes Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/carry-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| What’s it like when the sun never sets? | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:13:29 | |
Today's story: In cities of the far north, it never gets fully dark around the summer solstice. Cities and towns celebrate with festivals, outdoor events, and late-night traditions, from baseball in Alaska to White Nights in St. Petersburg. But constant light can also affect sleep, so people use blackout curtains, dim lights, and other routines to help their bodies adjust. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/883 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/883 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Put on | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:08:35 | |
Learn a new way to use the phrasal verb, "put on." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/put-on -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Summer vacation: a short history | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:13:44 | |
Today's story: Have you ever heard that “summer vacation” from school started so kids could work on the farm? That common story is not true. The modern summer break began in cities, where wealthy families wanted to escape hot weather and schools adjusted their calendars. Over time, countries standardized school schedules, paid holidays became more common, and the family summer vacation became a tradition. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/881 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/881 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Turn down | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:09:45 | |
Learn what it means to "turn down" an offer Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-down -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Five early stories from the World Cup | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:19:46 | |
Today's story: The 2026 World Cup is making headlines both on and off the field. FIFA's high ticket prices have not hurt demand, new hydration breaks are changing the pace of games, and fans are creating memorable moments—from South Korea and Mexico's soccer friendship to Scotland's takeover of Boston. Even ranch dressing has become an unlikely symbol of the tournament as European visitors discover a uniquely American favorite. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/879 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/879 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Stay put | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:10:32 | |
Learn what it means to "stay put." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/stay-put -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| America turns 250 without a proper party | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:15:15 | |
The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, but the milestone has lacked the excitement and national unity that marked the bicentennial in 1976. Years of delays, partisan disagreements, competing organizations, and cancelled projects have left the country without a coherent celebration. Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/877 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: All of a sudden | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:11:00 | |
Learn the English expression, "all of a sudden." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/all-of-a-sudden -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Should you 'Skip intro'? | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:15:19 | |
Today's story: Television title sequences began as a way to introduce shows and credit the people who made them. As viewing habits changed from channel-surfing to streaming and binge-watching, opening sequences evolved from explanations of a show to mood-setting artistic statements. The rise of Netflix's 'Skip intro' button has led some creators to shorten intros, while others have made them more elaborate in an effort to keep viewers watching. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/875 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/875 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: With a straight face | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:12:06 | |
Learn the English expression, "with a straight face." (Can you keep one?) Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/with-a-straight-face -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar are the new cola rivals | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:15:23 | |
Today's story: The 'cola wars' of the 1980s and 1990s pitted Coca-Cola against Pepsi. Both brands had their classic recipes and their 'diet' alternatives. But as consumers pivoted away from full-sugar sodas, makers of fizzy drinks found a new hit: 'zero-sugar' recipes that tasted just like the original. Now, the hot debate among soda drinkers is between diet and zero-sugar recipes. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/873 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/873 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Grow up | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:13:16 | |
Learn the English expression "grow up" (and why even fully grown adults sometimes need to do it sometimes) Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/grow-up -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Free and cheap houses in Japan (with a catch) | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:15:10 | |
Today's story: Japan has millions of vacant homes, especially in rural areas where populations are shrinking. Some of these properties, known as akiya, are sold for surprisingly low prices or even given away for free. While they attract adventurous buyers from around the world, many require extensive repairs, complicated paperwork, and a willingness to adapt to life in rural Japan. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/871 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/871 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Boil over | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:10:57 | |
Learn the English phrasal verb, "boil over." Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/boil-over -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Paris catacombs reopen after renovation | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:14:22 | |
Today's story: Beneath the streets of Paris is a huge network of underground tunnels filled with the bones of millions of former residents. Originally built as limestone quarries, the tunnels became a burial site in the 1700s after Paris’s cemeteries became overcrowded and unhealthy. The city recently completed a major renovation project to preserve the catacombs and improve conditions for visitors. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/869 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/869 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Hold out hope | 28 May 2026 | 00:09:15 | |
Learn the English expression, "hold out hope" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/hold-out-hope -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Route 66 and the classic American road trip | 25 May 2026 | 00:17:07 | |
Today's story: Route 66 was created in 1926 as part of America’s new national highway system and soon became a symbol of freedom, migration, and adventure. The highway helped farmers transport goods, guided Dust Bowl migrants west to California, and later became famous for family road trips, roadside attractions, and American car culture. As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, towns along the historic road are honoring its lasting influence on travel and tourism. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/867 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/867 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Get away with | 21 May 2026 | 00:09:04 | |
Learn the English phrasal verb, "get away with" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/get-away-with -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| Prediction markets let you bet on world events | 18 May 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
Today's story: Prediction markets allow people to bet on elections, weather, wars, and other real-world events. Supporters say these markets reveal valuable information more quickly than polls or experts can. But recent scandals suggest that some users may be illegally profiting from military secrets, and even manipulating events themselves. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/865 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/865 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Blend in | 14 May 2026 | 00:11:34 | |
Learn the English phrasal verb, "blend in" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/blend-in -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| What it's like to ride in a self-driving car | 11 May 2026 | 00:18:09 | |
Today's story: What's it like to ride in a self-driving car? Jeff gives you a first-hand account of his first-ever ride in a robotaxi. In cities like Los Angeles, where Waymo operates, the future is already here. Requesting a car is just like using Uber. All that's left is to sit back and let the computer do the driving. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/863 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/863 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Straighten out | 07 May 2026 | 00:10:25 | |
Learn the English phrasal verb, "Straighten out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/straighten-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Self driving cars are officially here | 04 May 2026 | 00:15:04 | |
Today's story: Self-driving cars have struggled for decades because driving requires human judgment in unpredictable situations. Early systems relied on strict rules, which failed in rare “long-tail” events. New AI systems can better handle these complex scenarios, leading to rapid growth in places like China and the U.S., though regulation and mapping still limit widespread adoption. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/861 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/861 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Fill out | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:09:42 | |
Learn the English phrasal verb, "fill out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/fill-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Updates: Louvre theft, BTS return, and premium economy boom | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:11:53 | |
Today's story: French authorities arrested suspects in the Louvre heist, but there was another high-profile museum robbery. The Air Canada CEO resigned over his limited French. Premium economy is booming, BTS is back, and King Tut's tomb is on full display in Egypt. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/859 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/859 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| Expression: Track down | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:07:51 | |
Learn the English expression, "track down" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/track-down -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| Should AI be allowed in books? | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:14:38 | |
Today's story: Hachette, a major book publisher, pulled a horror novel from bookstore shelves after online critics found the text was full of the telltale signs of artificial intelligence. The author, Mia Ballard, says that a freelance editor may have used ChatGPT, but that the story was her own work. The case raises questions in the literary community about how much artificial intelligence can be used in creating a work of fiction. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/857 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/857 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Add up | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:12:40 | |
Learn the English expression, "Add up" Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/add-up -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| The growing popularity of mahjong | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:14:13 | |
Today's story: Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile game, is gaining popularity again around the world. Once a major trend in the U.S., it declined for decades but survived in small communities. Now, clubs, apps, and pop culture are introducing it to new players, drawn by its mix of strategy, luck, and social interaction. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/855 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/855 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Figure out | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:18:13 | |
Learn how to use the English phrasal verb, "figure out" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/figure-out -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| GLP-1 drugs show benefits beyond weight loss | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:15:46 | |
Today's story: GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes and later used for weight loss, are now showing surprising benefits in other areas of health. Patients taking these medications have lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and fatty liver disease, along with improvements in sleep apnea and addiction. Scientists believe these effects may be linked to reduced inflammation in the body, but more research is needed to understand their full potential. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/853 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/853 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
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| Expression: Come up with | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:12:38 | |
Learn the English expression, "come up with" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/come-up-with -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Can New York ever fix Penn Station? | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:16:17 | |
Today's story: Pennsylvania Station was once one of the most beautiful train stations in the United States, but the building was demolished in 1963. New York almost immediately regretted the loss of its grand old station. For decades, leaders have promised to rebuild it, but a series of political and architectural obstacles have stood in the way. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/851 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/851 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Up close | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:11:32 | |
Learn how to use the English expression "up close" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/up-close -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| The 'free solo' climb of Taiwan's tallest tower | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:14:36 | |
Today's story: Alex Honnold, a 40-year-old American climber famous for his "free solo" climbs without ropes, thrilled millions of viewers by climbing a 101-story skyscraper without any safety gear. The climb was broadcast live on Netflix. His wife, watching the climb from inside the office building, said she was panicking the whole time. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/849 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/849 -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||
| Expression: Show up | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:11:39 | |
Learn the English expression, "show up" Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/show-up -- Plain English helps you improve your English:
Mentioned in this episode: Hard words? No problem Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com | |||