Today's story: School shootings are sadly, tragically common in the United States. Now, prosecutors are bringing murder or manslaughter charges against parents of school shooters, even if the parents weren't directly involved in the crime. Some say that's justified; others say it's going too far. What do you think?Learn this English expression: To 'take advantage' is to enjoy a benefit or treat someone unfairly for personal gainFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/715 --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

Delve into the fascinating world of the Birkin handbag, known for its steep prices and exclusivity. Discover the lengths one must go to just to obtain this status symbol, from building relationships with sales associates to spending thousands elsewhere. Learn about the phrasal verb 'deal with' and its various meanings, including managing challenges and discussing topics. Finally, explore highlights from Fashion Month, emphasizing the iconic Birkin while encouraging language skill improvements.

Abercrombie & Fitch has made a surprising comeback, shifting from a symbol of exclusivity to a mall favorite. The podcast explores its controversial history, including past marketing backlash and recent rebranding efforts aimed at inclusivity. The discussion also highlights the phrase 'take it easy,' explaining its meanings and everyday usage. Tune in to learn how a brand can reinvent itself and pick up some useful English expressions along the way.

Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends,' tragically discusses his overdose from ketamine in 2023. He sheds light on the rising use of ketamine for mental health treatment, paired with the risks of its recreational use. The podcast explores the dark underbelly of ketamine distribution and how it is sold as a luxury alternative to other drugs. It also delves into the nuances of expressing uncertainty in communication, emphasizing phrases like 'as far as I know' to navigate complex topics.

Neckties have a rich history as symbols of power, tracing back to 17th century France. They've been a staple of business attire but are increasingly being left at home, especially post-pandemic. Could ties soon be merely optional accessories in modern fashion? Additionally, there's a discussion on a new translation feature aimed at helping listeners navigate unfamiliar terms, enhancing both comprehension and language learning. It's an intriguing look at evolving styles and innovative tools!

Suni Williams is a veteran astronaut who has spent countless hours in orbit, while Barry Wilmore has extensive spaceflight experience. Together, they share their unexpected journey when their eight-day mission turned into an eight-month stay after thruster malfunctions. They dive into the emotional and operational challenges they faced during this extended time aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, they discuss the broader implications of long-term investments and consistent practice in language learning, drawing fascinating connections between space exploration and personal growth.

Discover why women's clothing sizes are so perplexing, from the history of custom tailoring to the impact of vanity sizing. Learn how different brands create misleading size standards that confuse shoppers. Additionally, explore the expression 'to be in touch' and its relevance in maintaining personal and professional relationships. The discussion also highlights the importance of staying connected and being aware of both fashion trends and emotional connections.

Today's story: Turkey's parliament recently passed a law aimed at removing millions of dogs living on the street. The law doesn't specifically require euthanasia. But many in Turkey are afraid this new law will nonetheless lead to mass killing of the dogs they've grown attached to.Learn this English expression: Something that 'gets out of hand' becomes difficult to manageFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/708 --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

Preview the changes improvements coming to Plain English this fall:The English expressions you learn may or may not appear in the main story. This will let us focus on those expressions that are most useful to you, whether or not you heard them in the first half of the lesson.Each month will have a theme with three or four episodes. (The remaining four to six episodes will be about current events and trending topics.) This will let us intentionally create stories about a wide variety of topics, so everyone has something fun to listen to.This month's theme is fashion. The first episode about fashion will be on Thursday, when we'll talk about why it's so hard to find an outfit that fits you well.

Today's story: At age 81, Joe Biden was the oldest person ever to seek the U.S. presidency. And while voters had concerns about his age, he easily won the Democratic Party's nomination. But after a terrible debate performance, he withdrew from the race. The sitting vice president, Kamala Harris, will face Donald Trump in the November election.Learn this English expression: A race is 'down to the wire' if the result is in doubt until the last momentFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/707 --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