" Buying a car, especially a used car, is one of the worst consumer shopping experiences. The buyer is at a disadvantage, and the seller is in the driver’s seat, so to speak. But with such a huge market for used cars, why hasn’t the industry stepped up to create a better buying experience? Plus, learn what it means to have “peace of mind.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plain...
Nov 12, 2020•23 min•Ep. 311
" The second wave of COVID-19 is officially here. Across Europe, new lockdown orders are being put in place as countries are seeing a sudden spike in cases. Will it be any easier the second time around? Experts warn a long, hard few months are ahead. Plus, learn what a “balancing act” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/310 -- Learning English should be fun! T...
Nov 09, 2020•20 min•Ep. 310
" In part two on fall’s favorite fruit, we’re sharing how pumpkin is eaten, sipped, and one surprise use. From snacks to desserts to drinks, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient in fall recipes. It has even created a near cult-following for a seasonal Starbucks drink. Warning: this episode could make you hungry. Plus, learn “look forward to.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plain...
Nov 05, 2020•21 min•Ep. 309
" Pumpkins are a staple in American fall traditions, activities, and recipes. In the first of our two lesson on pumpkins, we’re talking about two things you can do with fall’s favorite fruit: you can pick them and carve them. If you’ve never carved a pumpkin before, this lesson is for you. Plus, learn what it means to “stick with” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://pla...
Nov 02, 2020•21 min•Ep. 308
" The pandemic has made food delivery more popular than ever. We’re sharing the inside scoop on the foods and factors that are ideal for delivery – and those that aren’t. Hopefully, you’ll never be disappointed with an order of soggy fries again. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/307 -- Learning English should be fun! ...
Oct 29, 2020•22 min•Ep. 307
" Rafael Nadal won the twentieth Grand Slam title of his career at the French Open, tying Roger Federer’s record. Like usual, the tennis tournament was played on Paris’s famous red clay courts. But like most things in 2020, this year’s tournament was far from normal. Plus, learn what it means to “wreak havoc.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/306 -- Learning En...
Oct 26, 2020•22 min•Ep. 306
" At this point, people are taking any excuse to pack their bags and head out of cities, and right now is prime time for fall foliage and “foliage tourism” across North America. Some places even depend on the vibrant and varied colors of fall for the majority of their tourism revenues. Plus, learn what “leaf peepers” are and the phrasal verb “roll around.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found ...
Oct 22, 2020•20 min•Ep. 305
" Uruguay might be the only country in the world that is currently welcoming foreigners with open arms. The tiny country of 3.5 million is trying to attract 200,000 new residents. For what Uruguay lacks in flare, it makes up for in stability – which might be exactly what people want most right now. Plus, learn the English expression “fed up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://pl...
Oct 19, 2020•21 min•Ep. 304
" Did you know there are hundreds of thousands of man-made objects circling our planet? The objects are also multiplying: they collide into each other and split into smaller pieces. Scientists around the world are trying to figure out how to harness the objects from space and bring them back down to earth, but there isn’t a proven method yet. Plus, learn what a “close call” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free tra...
Oct 15, 2020•24 min•Ep. 303
" It’s all fun and games until all the fun and games are canceled. In the latest in pandemic-related cancelations, Rio’s carnival parade has been postponed indefinitely. Vendors that rely on the carnival for most of their annual income are grappling with the announcement. Plus, learn what it means to “keep your options open.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/30...
Oct 12, 2020•20 min•Ep. 302
" Today, we are revisiting five previous episode topics: Alexei Navalny was poisoned; e-scooters and micromobility are making a comeback in the pandemic era; a new zero-alcohol drink was released; progress in the return to pro sports; and an update on the race for a Covid-19 vaccine. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “to break down.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com...
Oct 08, 2020•19 min•Ep. 301
" The live music industry is in trouble. Their business model isn’t exactly pandemic-friendly: they rely on packing as many people into a small indoor space as possible. Live music venues were among the first to close, and they will be the last to reopen – if they’re able to reopen at all. Plus, learn what it means to “weather the storm.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plaine...
Oct 05, 2020•23 min•Ep. 300
" Pets are known to provide emotional support and reduce anxiety in times of stress – like during a pandemic – so it’s no wonder pet ownership is booming in 2020. But even before the pandemic era, pet ownership was on the rise. In some countries, pets are even treated as superiors by their owners. Plus, learn what a “stepping stone” is. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plaineng...
Oct 01, 2020•21 min•Ep. 299
" It might seem puzzling to people outside of the US – who have astonishingly low approval ratings for Trump – that so many Americans will still vote for Trump in November. But if you consider the drastic American cultural shift over the last decade, it isn’t quite as surprising. Plus, learn the English expression “take credit for.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish...
Sep 28, 2020•22 min•Ep. 298
" COVID-19 has undoubtedly taken a huge economic hit on businesses across the world. But even in the bleak economy, new pandemic spending patterns have given some companies huge boosts. Today, we’re highlighting four of the biggest business winners in the pandemic. Plus, learn the English expression “come to the rescue.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/297 -- ...
Sep 24, 2020•22 min•Ep. 297
" The United States is six weeks out from its presidential election, and polls show Biden with a comfortable, but slimming lead over the sitting president. Biden has been criticized for his “basement” strategy: largely staying out of the spotlight and letting Trump’s self-sabotage win him votes. Will Biden’s middle-of-the-road approach be enough to win in November? Plus, learn what “off the cuff” means. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English le...
Sep 21, 2020•25 min•Ep. 296
" To the hospitality industry’s delight, many Americans are slowly returning to travel. But people are discovering that travel isn’t the same in the pandemic era. Hotels have cut back on many of their standard amenity offerings, and it’s possible that some changes might stick around for good. Plus, learn the English phrase “go by.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish....
Sep 17, 2020•21 min•Ep. 295
" Yellowstone National Park draws in millions of tourists every year with its beautiful landscapes, boiling mud, and the many animals that roam there. With more than 10,000 hydrothermal features throughout the park, it is a hot spot – literally. You can see, smell, and hear the hydrothermal activity as you make your way through the park. Plus, learn the English expression ""pull over."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a...
Sep 14, 2020•22 min•Ep. 294
" In episode 292, we discussed why sleep boosts brain function. Today, we’re discussing five expert tips for improving your sleep habits based off sleep scientist Matthew Walker’s book “Why We Sleep.” It’s not as simple as going to bed at 10 and waking up at 6 each day. Plus, learn the English phrase ‘swing it.’ -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/293 -- Learning ...
Sep 10, 2020•20 min•Ep. 293
" We all know that sleep helps us beat the feeling of fatigue, but there’s so much more to sleep than just that. It is one of the most powerful – and underrated – performance enhancers for our brains. But where does sleep fit in in a culture that idolizes working around-the-clock? Plus, learn the English expression “treat yourself.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish...
Sep 07, 2020•23 min•Ep. 292
" After a life in front of the cameras, the iconic TV show personality and talk show host, Regis Philbin, died at age 88. He will forever be remembered for his hit daytime talk show on ABC, hosting “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and his relatable, unpretentious personality. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ‘go on to’. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/291 -- Learn...
Sep 03, 2020•21 min•Ep. 291
" Tokyo just unveiled the latest innovation in public restrooms: toilets with transparent walls. To be clear: the walls are transparent when empty, but after a person enters and engages the lock, the walls turn opaque – meaning that you cannot see inside. I don’t know about you, but I’d be fearful of a tech glitch. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ‘make out.’ -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found a...
Aug 31, 2020•22 min•Ep. 290
" Spain’s ex-king Juan Carlos has fled Spain, adding to his string of scandals that have surfaced since 2012. Very few people know where he fled to. But we do know that since he isn’t king anymore, he doesn’t get to enjoy the same immunity from prosecution in Spain. Perhaps he’s fleeing jail time? Plus, learn the expression “come to light.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plai...
Aug 27, 2020•19 min•Ep. 289
" Ultraviolet light has been used to disinfect hospitals for about 10 years. Scientists are now testing whether this “disinfecting light” can help contain the spread of COVID-19 in public spaces. A team in Ireland has already developed a robot designed to disinfect with ultraviolet light. Plus, learn the English expression “at once.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglis...
Aug 24, 2020•25 min•Ep. 288
" In 2020’s latest curveball, mysterious seed packages are showing up in mailboxes around the world. The US Department of Agriculture has been investigating the seeds to determine if they are some type of biological weapon, or just the latest scam. Whatever they are, don’t plant them! Plus, what you need to know about brushing scams and the phrasal verb ‘turn in.’ -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can b...
Aug 20, 2020•21 min•Ep. 287
" Two explosions erupted at the Port of Beirut on August 4: one small, followed by a much larger one that shook the city with the force of a 3.3-magnitude earthquake. The explosions killed 150 people, injured thousands, and have left 300,000 homeless. The disaster and aftermath are exposing a broken system in Lebanon. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “pass through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be ...
Aug 17, 2020•20 min•Ep. 286
" Mexico is rich with archaeological gems, but one recent discovery in a cave in central Mexico is challenging the history of humans in the Americas. The research team found thousands of stones, human DNA, and charcoal to back up their claims – but not everyone is convinced. Another discovery sheds light on Mesoamerican life in the Sixth Century. Plus, learn the English expression “piece together.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,...
Aug 13, 2020•20 min•Ep. 285
" There are currently 165 COVID-19 vaccines being tested around the world. Testing new vaccines is usually a long, multi-phase process, but six vaccines are already in phase III of trials. Developing an effective vaccine will certainly be a huge accomplishment, but drug companies fear manufacturing billions of doses may be the biggest challenge of all. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “line up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, includ...
Aug 10, 2020•23 min•Ep. 284
" On July 17, 13 Panamanian students went for a hike together, but only six returned alive. The six survivors confirmed that two gunmen attacked the group. Panama’s police arrested one person in connection with the shootings, but are still searching for the second gunman. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “rule out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/283 -- Learning ...
Aug 06, 2020•20 min•Ep. 283
" People are getting arrested. Books are being removed from libraries. Residents and shop owners are tearing down posters and artwork. And international companies are closing down their Hong Kong offices. Turns out, life under the new security law is worse than anyone had feared. Plus, learn the English expression “safe haven.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/...
Aug 03, 2020•22 min•Ep. 282
