Plain English

Archive episode: Today, we're opening up the Plain English archives to revisit the only episode we've ever done about...a haircut.The mullet hairstyle is known for looking like business in the front, party in the back, and have typically been worn by men from rural, lower income areas of Australia. However, in recent years, the hairstyle has outgrown its unsophisticated reputation. The hairstyle is now popular among city-dwellers and with celebrities, and there is even a festival celebrating mullet-wearers. Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/lessons/mullets-in-australia/ --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned 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

Discover the fascinating world of the gut microbiome, home to trillions of bacteria that play a key role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Learn why good gut health doesn't require expensive supplements. Instead, a simple, fiber-rich diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can do wonders. This discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating fermented foods and spending time outdoors to nourish your microbiome.

Nate Bargatze has skyrocketed to fame by embracing clean, relatable humor. His everyman approach resonates with audiences of all ages, making him one of America’s top comedians. This discussion highlights his rise against a backdrop of more controversial acts, showcasing how everyday experiences can be turned into comedic gold. Listeners are also treated to a memorable live performance anecdote and can learn language skills with helpful transcripts and translation tools available on the podcast's website.

Today's story: The classic advice that breakfast is the "most important meal of the day" may be overstated. But eating a morning meal can bring important benefits to your nutrition, metabolism, and even cognitive functions. Before you write off breakfast, think about ways you can make the first meal of the day work for you.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/784--Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | EmailMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever 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

Teachers face tough decisions with students using AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments. Some educators are catching cheaters or banning devices, while others embrace AI to enhance learning. The conversation highlights the challenges in integrating AI into education, even as businesses adapt quickly. A humorous anecdote about the Secretary of Education mistaking AI for A1 sauce showcases the confusion surrounding its impact on teaching. Strategies for responsible AI use emerge as a crucial topic.

The rapid rise of ChatGPT is reshaping education, making it easier for students to cheat and affecting academic integrity. As AI tools offer homework help and complete assignments, educators express concern about diminishing critical thinking skills. One student candidly admits that college feels like a test of how well they can use ChatGPT. This shift raises important questions about the future of learning and problem-solving in the real world.

Today's story: High-protein foods and supplements have gone mainstream, moving beyond gyms and into everyday grocery carts. From cottage cheese to high-protein soda, food makers are cashing in on the trend. But not all sources are created equal, and nutrition experts urge caution with processed, protein-enhanced foods.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/781Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/781 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Today's story: Book and movie titles often change dramatically in translation, and the reasons go beyond simple language differences. Local publishers and distributors choose titles based on cultural context, marketing strategy, and artistic goals—resulting in everything from literal translations to poetic rewrites and puzzling name changes.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/780Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/780 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Today's story: A biotech company in Texas has created three wolf pups using DNA from extinct dire wolves and modern gray wolves. While the company claims this is the first-ever de-extinction, many scientists say the result is not a true dire wolf, but a synthetic animal that only resembles the original species.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/779--Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.--Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/joinHere's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Many airports feature chapels or prayer rooms, providing travelers a quiet space for reflection. Initially designed for staff, these interfaith sanctuaries now serve everyone during stressful travel. The podcast discusses how airport chaplains play a crucial role in offering emotional support, particularly during life transitions. Listeners learn about the significant weddings held in these unique spaces and the chaplains’ involvement in mediating tensions and supporting people during challenging times.