Today's story: Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from various animal organs mixed with oats and spices. In the traditional recipe, it's cooked in the lining of a sheep's stomach. It's a beloved part of Scottish culture (even if outsiders aren't always brave enough to try it).Learn this English expression: 'Out of reach' refers to something that is inaccessible or unattainableFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/725 --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: Scientists have completed a ""connectome"" of an adult fruit fly, mapping all 140,000 brain cells and the 55 million connections between them. The map will allow scientists to study in much greater detail how a brain works. And the complete connectome of the fruit fly may pave the way for mapping larger, more complex brains, including those of mice and, potentially, humans.Learn this English expression: 'On a roll' means experiencing a series of successes or feeling confident and energized.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/724 --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: When the sun rises on Election Day, about half of Americans will have already voted. But here's what the experience is like for the tens of millions of people who cast their votes in person on the first Tuesday of November. Plus, learn why it takes so long to count the votes.Learn this English expression: 'Pull something off' means to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/723 --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: Dengue fever has spread to Italy, which has seen 500 cases this year. M-pox vaccines are now being distributed in Africa for the first time. Shohei Ohtani’s translator has pleaded guilty to bank fraud, and Netflix’s new ""Monsters"" series, based on the Menendez brothers' case, has hit number one on the charts.Learn this English expression: 'Sooner or later' means that something will definitely happen, even if the exact timing is uncertain.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/722 --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

The podcast explores the skyrocketing housing costs affecting families in the English-speaking world. It delves into the clash between NIMBYs and YIMBYs, revealing the political and social implications of zoning laws. The discussion highlights the consequences of being 'out of touch' with the realities faced by everyday people, particularly among influential figures. Personal stories and historical examples illustrate how disconnect can impact decision-making, emphasizing the need for awareness and engagement with current trends.

The podcast dives into the mixed reception of 'Emily in Paris,' with French critics slamming its clichéd portrayals while viewers indulge in its escapist charm. Despite the backlash, the show topped Netflix charts and is set for a fifth season. Additionally, listeners learn about the subtle differences between the phrases 'keep an eye on' and 'keep an eye out,' emphasizing vigilance and alertness. The discussion wraps with tips on recognizing everyday opportunities, making it both entertaining and educational.

Explore the U.S. presidential election process and the vital role of the Electoral College. Discover how swing states can sway outcomes and the intriguing cases where the popular vote didn't win the presidency. Dive into discussions on political strategy and representation, along with the ongoing debates about electoral reform. Additionally, learn about the expression 'on track' and its relevance in achieving personal and professional goals while discovering tools to enhance your English skills.

Today's story: James Earl Jones, the actor known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, overcame a childhood stutter and developed one of the most distinctive voices in Hollywood. His booming baritone lent authority to any character he played (including his comedic roles). He died in September 2024 at age 93.Learn this English expression: ""Up in the air"" describes something that is undecided or uncertain, often used when a decision has not yet been made.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/718 --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: The American vice president's primary function is to be available in case a president can't continue in office. Besides that, the VP is the ceremonial leader of the Senate, the upper house of the legislature. In the case of a tie vote in the Senate, the VP breaks the tie. With few formal duties, ""veeps"" try to have influence as advisors and to help where they can.Learn this English expression: 'On the same page' means sharing the same understanding or working together in synch.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/717 --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: With just a month left until Election Day, the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is extremely close. Both candidates are focusing on their closing arguments, aiming to rally supporters and secure every possible vote. You'll get an in-depth look at the current state of the race and learn what to expect as the campaigns enter their final stretch.Learn this English expression: The expression ""hand in hand"" refers to two things being closely connected or working together.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/716 --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