" Elon Musk, the world's richest man by some measures, has purchased Twitter, a social media network, for $44 billion, using a mixture of his own money and loans. Like many things with Musk, this was hardly straightforward. Plus, learn the English expression ""stand 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/520 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our les...
Nov 14, 2022•28 min•Ep. 520
We all know that different countries call things differently (lift vs. elevator, for example). But even within the U.S., there are surprising differences in vocabulary. And these differences persist, even though much of the media is national. So grab a so Mentioned in this episode: Ready to improve your listening? Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a ...
Nov 10, 2022•23 min•Ep. 519
" Today's lesson is a look back at some recent lesson topics. Just months after the exit of Boris Johnson, British politics was plunged into tumult. Just one result: a recent prime minister was compared to a head of lettuce. Plus, learn the English expression ""distance 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.com/518 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s w...
Nov 07, 2022•23 min•Ep. 518
" America's national immigration policy has been broken for decades. Now, border state governors and big-city mayors are locked in a fight, with newly-arrived immigrants caught in between. It's a summary America's political and cultural dysfunction, all in one depressing story. Plus, learn the English expression ""find your way."" -- 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.c...
Nov 03, 2022•18 min•Ep. 320
" The British Broadcasting Corporation turns 100 years old this month. The BBC started as a way for radio makers to convince people to buy a ""wireless."" Today, it supplies news, entertainment, and education to hundreds of millions of people every week. -- 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/516 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about cur...
Oct 31, 2022•22 min•Ep. 516
" If an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth, could we avoid disaster by pushing the asteroid off course? That's the question NASA attempted to answer by crashing an unmanned craft into a real asteroid. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""set off."" -- 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/515 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are a...
Oct 27, 2022•19 min•Ep. 515
" Natural gas powers factories, heats homes, and generates electricity. And in Europe, much of the gas supply came from Russia. However, Europe is in a rapid transition away from Russian gas as a result of the war in Ukraine. The transition is not easy. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""run on."" -- 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/514 -- Learning English sho...
Oct 24, 2022•24 min•Ep. 514
" The world of chess has been turned upside down after Norwegian Magnus Carlsen accused American teenager Hans Niemann of cheating. Though Niemann's rise has been swift, there's no evidence of foul play--except for the two times he previously admitted to cheating. Plus, learn the English expression ""stop short of."" -- 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/513 -- Lear...
Oct 20, 2022•24 min•Ep. 513
" One of the most famous strategy games in human history, chess spread around the world over 1,000 years ago. Though the rules have changed a little, the biggest change has come with the advent of computers and their victory over human champions. Plus, learn the English expression ""tailor made."" -- 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/512 -- Learning English should ...
Oct 17, 2022•21 min•Ep. 512
" A new type of tomato is about to hit American grocery stores. It’s purple, it has enhanced nutrition, and it’s genetically-modified. But will the purple tomato be able to overcome skepticism about genetically-modified foods? This lesson might debunk some of the misconceptions you have about GM foods. Plus, learn what it means to have “an edge.” -- 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:...
Oct 13, 2022•19 min•Ep. 511
" Are ESG funds all that they’re cracked up to be? Last week’s lesson covered what ESG investing is, and in theory, investing in companies that want to do more good sounds like a pretty good thing. However, today’s lesson covers that in practice, these ESG funds are coming up short. Plus, learn to ""welcome with open arms."" -- 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/510...
Oct 10, 2022•23 min•Ep. 510
" ESG stands for “environmental, social, and governance,” and ESG investing is a way to funnel your investments toward companies that meet higher standards in these three categories. Not only that, but sponsors of these funds promise that ESG funds will make the same return, or an even better return, in the long run. Plus, learn “nagging doubt.” -- 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:/...
Oct 06, 2022•23 min•Ep. 509
" A first-place finish at the Colorado State Fair art competition is sparking debate in the art community about whether AI-generated art should be considered art. The winning piece at the fair was an AI-generated image, and critics argue that the art was created by a machine, not a person, and so it isn’t art. But AI supporters beg to differ. Plus, learn “sift through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript,...
Oct 03, 2022•20 min•Ep. 508
" As Queen Elizabeth II grew into adulthood, it was increasingly clear that she would, someday, be queen. But no one thought it would happen as soon as it did. This lesson covers her unlikely path to the monarch, the story of how she found out she was queen in the Kenyan countryside, her legacy, and more. Plus, learn “open the door.” -- 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...
Sep 29, 2022•23 min•Ep. 507
" Britain and the world are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She died peacefully at the Balmoral Castle in northern Scotland earlier this month at age 96. She served as Britain’s monarch for 70 years, and upon her death, her son, Charles, became King. Plus, learn what it means to “pay respects.” -- 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/506 -- Learning English ...
Sep 26, 2022•19 min•Ep. 506
" The mullet hairstyle is known for looking like business in the front, party in the back, and have typically been worn by men from rural, lower income areas of Australia. However, in recent years, the hairstyle has outgrown its unsophisticated reputation. The hairstyle is now popular among city-dwellers and with celebrities, and there is even a festival celebrating mullet-wearers. Plus, learn “catch on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English ...
Sep 22, 2022•20 min•Ep. 505
" Chilean voters recently voted not to adopt a proposed constitution. It all started in 2019, when in response to protests, Chileans first voted on whether they wanted a new constitution. The results showed that they did – sort of. Then, over the course of the past three years, a group of mostly left-leaning representatives drafted a new constitution, and this lesson dives into why it failed to pass. Plus, learn “boil over.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- T...
Sep 19, 2022•21 min•Ep. 504
" Reeling from burnout and an always-on culture, many in Gen Z are subscribing to #QuietQuitting, the idea that they shouldn't give too much at work. But there are multiple interpretations to the term and career coaches warn of the consequences. Plus, learn the English phrase ""above and beyond."" -- 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/503 -- Learning English should ...
Sep 15, 2022•18 min•Ep. 503
" Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's decided not to sell its product in the Palestinian territories, claiming that it didn't want to be part of an illegal occupation. But that stance got the company in trouble with its parent company. And the conflict turned ugly. Plus, learn the English expression ""take exception 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/502 -- L...
Sep 12, 2022•20 min•Ep. 502
" Ben & Jerry’s has always taken a unique approach to running its business. When they were acquired by Unilever, they made some unique demands, and Unilever accepted. The company is also known for taking progressive stands on social issues. But recently, their approach has gotten them into a bit of a sticky situation. Plus, learn “come in.” -- 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://...
Sep 08, 2022•24 min•Ep. 501
On this 500th episode, Jeff and JR talk about their favorite places in Chicago, including: Restaurants The lakefront Shedd aquarium Neighborhoods Field Museum History The beach Riverwalk Lincoln Park Zoo Breweries Art Institute Wrigley Field This lesson was live streamed on video. Watch the replay to get the full experience at PlainEnglish.com/500 (Our regular lesson format will return on Thursday.) Mentioned in this episode: Ready to improve your listening? Ready to listen fast? Improve your li...
Sep 05, 2022•18 min•Ep. 500
[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Chicago is the third-largest city in ...
Sep 01, 2022•26 min•Ep. 499
[Countdown to 500] Get ready for the 500th lesson live stream by joining us on social media: Follow @plainenglishpod on Instagram Join the Plain English Listeners Facebook Group Date: September 3 Time: 8:00 am Chicago / Mexico / Colombia New York / Miami: 9:00 a.m. Brazil: 10:00 a.m. London: 2:00 p.m. Paris / Rome / Berlin: 3:00 p.m. Istanbul: 4:00 p.m. New Delhi: 6:30 p.m. Jakarta: 8:00 p.m. Taipei – Hong Kong: 9:00 p.m. Tokyo: 10:00 p.m. On today's lesson: Electric vehicles promised to improve...
Aug 29, 2022•25 min•Ep. 498
[Countdown to #500] To celebrate our 500th lesson, we'll be live-streaming on Facebook and Instagram. It will be on September 3 at 9 am New York time. Make sure to connect with us there, so you can join the fun: Join the Facebook group Follow us on Instagram @plainenglishpod All the details of the big event are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3! On today's lesson: Oliver Burkeman is a British journalist that writes about productivity and...
Aug 25, 2022•22 min•Ep. 497
[Countdown to #500] We're getting ready to celebrate Lesson #500! We'll be live-streaming the lesson on September 3. Here are three ways you can help celebrate: #1 - Record a video , telling us what you like about Plain English #2 - Enter the giveaway for a chance to win great prizes. #3 - Mark your calendars for the live stream on September 3 All the details are available at PlainEnglish.com/500 We can't wait to see you on the live stream on September 3! On today's lesson: Vin Scully was what b...
Aug 22, 2022•19 min•Ep. 496
COUNTDOWN TO 500: Are you ready to help celebrate our 500th lesson? Here are 4 ways to get involved: Record a video - Help us celebrate by telling us about your Plain English experience Enter the giveaway - You'll get multiple chances to win great prizes, including free Plus memberships Follow us on Instagram or join our Facebook group so you can be ready to watch the live stream on September 3 Mark your calendar for the live stream on Sept 3. On today's lesson: Monkeypox is a disease that first...
Aug 18, 2022•22 min•Ep. 495
" Amazon is acquiring One Medical, a popular network of doctors’ office in the United States. One Medical takes a modern, hybrid approach to primary care by offering a blend of the in-office experience with technology for added patient convenience and accessibility. Some critics are worried that Amazon is only interested in the medical data. Plus, learn “time will tell.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript...
Aug 15, 2022•25 min•Ep. 494
" The James Webb telescope is already sending back breathtaking images from space, but it apparently wasn’t easy getting the telescope up and running. The project hit several bumps along the way, which resulted in it being years late and billions of dollars over budget. Plus, learn what it means to take “a crack at” 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://plainenglish.com/4...
Aug 11, 2022•24 min•Ep. 493
" Asian carp were first introduced in the United States in the 1970s as a solution to a growing algae problem. Now, the species has created more problems than they’ve solved. As the invasive fish continues to march northward, Americans are trying to eat their way out of the problem. Plus, learn “overrun with.” -- 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/492 -- Learning En...
Aug 08, 2022•25 min•Ep. 492
" The James Webb Space Telescope launched in December 2021, and just seven months later, it has sent its first images from deep in space back to Earth. This has been a project twenty years in the making, and the telescope will help build a better understanding of the universe, its creation, and what it contains now. Plus, learn “turn over.” -- 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 04, 2022•24 min•Ep. 491
