Plain English

Seniors are increasingly becoming screen addicts, using phones and tablets alongside traditional TV. These devices help them connect with loved ones, stay mentally stimulated, and enjoy entertainment. However, they face risks like scams and isolation compared to younger generations. The podcast highlights the cognitive benefits of screen use and encourages seniors to engage with technology wisely. Family anecdotes illustrate how screen time has woven into everyday interactions, making tech a part of family life.

Discover the journey of Publishers Clearing House, from its 1950s beginnings with magazine subscriptions to the thrill of massive sweepstakes. Learn about the iconic Prize Patrol and how eye-catching marketing tactics captivated audiences. Explore the decline triggered by internet trends and lawsuits leading to bankruptcy, leaving winners without promised payouts. Hear emotional stories from former winners grappling with unexpected financial hardships, alongside reflections on the company's lasting cultural legacy.

The podcast dives into the fascinating intersection of luxury resorts and pop culture. It reveals how Four Seasons hotels gained fame from the HBO series 'The White Lotus,' which was filmed at their properties during a risky pandemic filming venture. The conversation explores how viewer interest surged, leading to a significant spike in travel inquiries. Additionally, Four Seasons is now creatively leveraging this newfound fame with themed events and premium experiences, including an extravagant travel package for fans.

In a daring Sunday heist, four thieves disguised as construction workers infiltrated the Louvre, using tools to smash display cases and escape with priceless crown jewels in just seven minutes. The stolen items included emeralds, sapphires, and pearls, leading experts to speculate on their fate—either finding a private buyer or being dismantled for individual sales. This brazen theft sparked discussions about national identity and security concerns, revealing the museum's symbolic role in France's heritage and its vulnerability to crime.

Discover the vibrant culture of Dublin, from its Viking origins to its lively music scene. Learn about the significance of the Ha'penny Bridge and the delicious components of a full Irish breakfast. Delve into Ireland's rich literary heritage and visit the impressive Museum of Literature. Experience the social hub of the Irish pub culture, enjoy a pint of Guinness, and explore Trinity College's historic library. Plus, hear about unique bookshops in pubs and unforgettable rainy weekend adventures!

Electric vehicles, while eco-friendly, pose safety risks due to their silence. Regulations are now forcing them to make noise, but the type of sound is up to manufacturers. Some brands are getting creative, with sounds reflecting their identity—think Hummer vs. Cadillac. Notably, high-profile composers like Hans Zimmer are collaborating to design unique vehicle sounds. The discussion highlights the balance between safety and branding in this evolving automotive landscape.

New York is rolling out a new containerized trash collection system, starting in West Harlem. Meanwhile, Paris has opened swimming areas in the Seine, extending the season thanks to high demand. The original Birkin bag has shattered records, selling for €8.6 million. BTS is reuniting with a new album and tour planned for 2026. Plus, important steps toward legalizing assisted dying are being taken in the UK, Uruguay, and Italy. Lastly, Ethiopia inaugurated its long-disputed Nile dam amidst concerns from downstream countries.

The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is nearing a major milestone after over 140 years of construction. The central tower is almost complete, with a projected structural finish by 2026, marking Gaudí's centenary. Unique features like organic designs and visitor experiences are highlighted. The podcast explores the challenges of long-term construction, including planning issues and the controversial Glory Facade staircase. Insights into how technology has accelerated progress also reveal Gaudí's relaxed attitude toward deadlines compared to other famous cathedrals.

Today's story: A British wartime propaganda poster created in 1939 featured the slogan, ‘Keep calm and carry on.’ The poster was never used and the slogan had been forgotten, until it was rediscovered in 2000. In a brand-new age, the slogan took on new meaning, and started to appear on posters, mugs, t-shirts, and countless online memes.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/811Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/811 --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

Today's story: Large language models like ChatGPT are increasingly sycophantic—flattering users, validating flawed reasoning, and agreeing too easily. This tendency stems from how models are trained: by rewarding responses users like. While some innocent flattery is harmless, models' sycophancy can be harmful in hidden ways. Here's what AI sycophancy is, and how to avoid it.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/810Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/810 --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