Plain English

Today's story: Manual transmissions were once a cheaper, more fuel-efficient alternative to automatics. But automatics have gotten better, and consumers overwhelmingly prefer them. Now, only about 1% of new cars in the U.S. and Canada come with a stick shift. Those who prefer to shift their own gears must pay up for a higher trim line or a performance car.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/757Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/757 --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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Los Angeles is facing the aftermath of both devastating wildfires and destructive mudslides. The fires burned vegetation that helped keep soil in place, leading to landslides when heavy rains arrived. Now, the city is dealing with cleanup while also rethinking building codes, infrastructure, and planning to better withstand future disasters.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/756Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/756 --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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Los Angeles faces wildfire risks every year due to its dry summers, drought-resistant vegetation, and the powerful Santa Ana winds. This year, however, was one of the worst in history. A series of devastating fires destroyed thousands of buildings, forced mass evacuations, and left entire neighborhoods in ashes.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/755--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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Five years after the pandemic began, the fight over remote work still isn’t settled. Some companies are demanding full-time office attendance, using badge swipes and tracking software to enforce it. Others are trying to lure workers back with perks. Meanwhile, employees are pushing for more flexibility.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/754--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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Most contractions in English are simple combinations of two words, like “you’re” for “you are.” But some contractions don’t follow the usual pattern. In this lesson, we explore three unusual contractions—“ma’am,” “o’clock,” and “ain’t”—their origins, meanings, and when (or if) you should use them.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/753--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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Discover the science behind boiling eggs to perfection! Scientists reveal a groundbreaking method that alternates boiling and warm water for that ideal mix of a firm white and a soft, nutrient-rich yolk. Cooking enthusiasts will also love the shift from spray to butter, dramatically enhancing flavor and texture. Tune in for a delightful journey into the culinary world, where patience meets precision in egg preparation!

Today's story: Whether you live in cold weather, plan to visit, or are just curious, it's important to know how to protect yourself from extreme cold. Learn how to layer properly, choose the right gear, and protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/751Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/751 --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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Many English words come from French, but some, like fiancé, façade, and résumé, keep their original spellings, accents, and even gendered forms. To make things even more confusing, some of these words don't mean the same thing in French and English.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/750--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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral was nearly destroyed in a devastating fire in 2019. In the years since, thousands of artisans and specialists worked to restore the 850-year-old cathedral. The roof was rebuilt using oak from French forests. The massive pipe organ was disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. The limestone exterior was preserved and, where necessary, stones were replaced. New lighting and safety systems were installed. And in December 2024, the cathedral opened to the world once again.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/749--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:Be an active learner with Plain EnglishAfter you listen to each episode, do the interactive quizzes and activities at PlainEnglish.com. You'll improve your listening, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Dive into the world of Saturday Night Live as it celebrates a milestone 50 years on air. Discover the show's unique mix of live sketches, parodies, and music that keep it fresh and relevant. Learn about the behind-the-scenes magic that shapes each week's hilarious content. Plus, find out how instant translations can help language learners enjoy the show without missing a beat. Celebrate the cultural impact of this iconic comedy series while exploring its timeless formula for success!