Plain English

Today's story: Neon signs have lit up city streets for about a century. But building owners are increasingly swapping hand-blown neon tubes for sleek LED bulbs. The new bulbs are cheaper, easier to maintain, and more energy-efficient. But the old neon signs are a nostalgic part of urban history. What will cities be like without them?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/746Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/746 --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

The British Parliament is poised to debate a bill for legally permitting medically-assisted dying for terminal patients. Advocates emphasize patient autonomy and the right to end suffering, while critics raise alarms about potential social pressure and ethical dilemmas for doctors. The discussion reflects broader moral questions about end-of-life choices, making for a compelling societal debate. Plus, listeners learn about interactive resources that enhance English skills, offering pronunciation tips and engaging quizzes.

Nightclubs worldwide are shutting their doors earlier, with cultural shifts to blame. The podcast explores the decline in all-night parties, highlighting how younger generations favor earlier social events. Factors like pandemic regulations and rising operational costs have left club owners struggling. The episode also touches on the significant impact of closures in hotspots like Berlin's Watergate, emphasizing a transformation in urban nightlife. Lastly, listeners learn about tools for enhancing language learning through instant translations.

Every winter, Girl Scouts hit the streets to sell their beloved cookies, a cherished tradition since 1917. This fun and tasty event teaches girls essential skills like sales, planning, and customer service. The iconic flavors, from Thin Mints to Samoas, keep customers coming back year after year. Not only do these sales satiate cravings, but they also raise significant funds for troops and councils across the nation, fostering community spirit and teamwork.

Today's story: Jimmy Carter, who died at the end of 2024, was America's 39th president. His term in office was marked by challenges, and he suffered a lopsided loss in the 1980 election. But after he left office, he founded one of the most influential global nonprofits. The Carter Center has had an extraordinary positive impact on humanity in areas ranging from peace to health to democracy.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/742--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: Australia’s new law bans children under 16 from social media, but two key questions remain: how will platforms verify user ages, and what exactly counts as a social media platform? So much of the online world has at least some social component: will teen book nerds be kicked off Goodreads?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/741Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/741 --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

Australia has introduced a law preventing kids under 16 from using social media like TikTok and Instagram. This bold move aims to protect young users from cyberbullying and mental health issues. However, critics argue it infringes on children's freedom to connect online. The discussion touches on similar laws worldwide and the ongoing debate over government regulation of youth internet access. Additionally, the complexities of age verification on social platforms are explored, alongside resources for English learners.

Processed foods are considered unhealthy, leading to obesity and heart disease. The discussion highlights how these foods often contain high levels of fat, sugar, and salt, disrupting our body's natural fullness signals. A case study on Cheerios reveals how processing can strip away essential nutrients. There's also an emphasis on understanding food origins and how lifestyle and genetics play roles in health outcomes. Lastly, language learning tools that offer instant translations are showcased to enhance comprehension.

Explore the intriguing stories shaping 2025, starting with Donald Trump's potential return and its global trade implications. Delve into the evolving landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, focusing on prospective peace talks. Additionally, uncover how artificial intelligence is transforming business practices, emphasizing the contrasting adoption rates between large and small companies. The discussion also highlights challenges and opportunities presented by AI, alongside innovative tools enhancing language learning for non-native speakers.

Over the course of 31 years and over 900 half-hour episodes, Fred Rogers was a friendly television neighbor and mentor to generations of American children, who knew him as simply "Mr. Rogers." A new movie, starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, explores the impact he had on children. He wasn't afraid to confront topics big and small and always spoke to children on their level. Plus, learn the English phrase "get down to business."Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/216 --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