A podcast discusses living on the East Coast, highlighting benefits like rich history and culture, but also mentioning harsh winters. They explore the concept of 'focus on' and its importance in achieving goals. The show offers English language learning opportunities for listeners to improve their skills.

Listen to a discussion on how dollar stores have become a big business, offering rock-bottom prices on various products. Explore the concept of 'falling out of fashion' and the reasons behind outdated trends like fax machines and CDs. Discover upcoming topics on investment trends and American life, with a focus on improving English skills.

Bad harvests in Brazil and Florida are driving up orange juice prices globally. Producers are debating using lower-quality blends or adding other citrus fruits. Farmers are uncertain if it's worth planting new trees. The podcast also discusses the concept of 'worthwhile' in various scenarios, such as trips, meetings, and investments. Plus, upcoming topics include dollar stores and East Coast vs West Coast living comparisons.

Discover the journey of lost luggage, from airline auctions to hidden treasures. Learn the English expression 'track down'. Explore the challenges of finding old friends and get ready for fun summer break episodes.

The podcast discusses the possibility of flying cars becoming a reality with new startups ready to transport passengers. The biggest hurdle is obtaining permission from the government. Listen to learn an English expression and explore the advancements and anticipation of flying car technology.

A new analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals toxic levels of lead, mercury, and arsenic that may have contributed to his health issues, including hearing loss. The podcast also discusses how to use the English expression 'suffer from' and explores examples of suffering from environmental challenges and personal hardships.

Learn how heat pumps offer a greener way to heat homes, facing barriers like electric cars. Explore the differences between 'heat up' and 'warm up' in English expressions. Discover the efficiency and adoption challenges of heat pumps with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

A geologist and art historian may have identified the background of the Mona Lisa in Lecco, Italy. They explore the concept of 'standing up to scrutiny' with examples from Stephen King's book and popular studies. The podcast offers English lessons for intermediate learners and promotes free sample lessons on their website.

Dengue fever is on the rise in Latin America, with more cases reported in early 2024 than all of last year. Governments are racing to control the outbreak, but their methods are proving less effective than hoped. The discussion also dives into the curious trend of 'buying up,' where people stockpile goods during crises, leading to shortages. Lastly, explore a fascinating theory about the Mona Lisa's origin, adding a dash of art mystery to the conversation.

Today's story: Impressionism, the art movement that celebrates bright colors, thick brushstrokes, and outdoor settings, turns 150 years old this month. Though Monet, Degas, Renoir, and others are celebrated in museums and art schools around the world, their work was initially rejected by the art establishment.Learn this English expression: Use 'fall into' to describe how things fit into categoriesFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/679 --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:Practice what you learn (and get human feedback)Don't just listen to the expression: put it into practice! Every time you learn an expression at Plain English, write your own example using that expression. And then an expert English speaker will read your example and give you personal feedback on how to improve. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com