" Thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars have plagued American cities after TikTok and YouTube videos showed just how easy it is to steal them. Certain models sold in the U.S. can be stolen in just 30 seconds with a USB cord--and nothing else. It can be traced to one fateful decision by the carmakers. Plus, learn the English expression ""cut corners."" -- 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://...
Jun 12, 2023•24 min•Ep. 580
" Streaming giants of all kinds have spent lavishly on expensive new productions and large content libraries, hoping to win new customers. But the services have often lost money and investors are growing impatient. As streamers focus on profitability, consumes are set to lose out. Plus, learn the English expression ""all of a sudden."" -- 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://plainengl...
Jun 08, 2023•24 min•Ep. 579
" Television changed forever when streaming services like Netflix started producing more (and better) series. Today, we look at three categories of streamers and why they're spending so much. On Thursday, we'll talk about why the age of big spending on series may be about to end. Plus, learn the English expression ""big deal."" -- 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/...
Jun 05, 2023•25 min•Ep. 578
ChatGPT Challenge: Time is running out to join the Plain English ChatGPT Challenge, where we teach you all about the new site that everyone is talking about. Sign up for free at PlainEnglish.com/GPT On today's lesson: Can any one product be for all Americans in an age of polarization? Bud Light is the country's most popular beer brand. But now people from both sides of the cultural divide are protesting the brand. It all started when Bud Light partnered with a trans influencer and congratulated ...
Jun 01, 2023•27 min•Ep. 577
ChatGPT Challenge: Time is running out to join the Plain English ChatGPT Challenge, where we teach you all about the new site that everyone is talking about. Sign up for free at PlainEnglish.com/GPT On today's lesson: Ed Sheeran's 2014 song ""Thinking Out Loud"" has similar musical chords to the 1973 Marvin Gaye hit ""Let's Get It On."" Sheeran was sued in New York for copyright infringement, but prevailed at his trial. He played his guitar on the witness stand in his defense. Plus, learn the En...
May 29, 2023•23 min•Ep. 576
**New course: Join the Plain English ChatGPT Challenge Our free 5-day course will introduce you to ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence tool that everyone is talking about. And we'll do it just like we do this podcast: at a pace that's right for English learners. Sign up for free today. On today's lesson: ChatGPT, the new artificial intelligence model that has captured the imagination of millions, has strengths and weaknesses. Like any tool, it's good for some things and not good for others. The...
May 25, 2023•29 min•Ep. 575
**New course: Join the Plain English ChatGPT Challenge Our free 5-day course will introduce you to ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence tool that everyone is talking about. And we'll do it just like we do this podcast: at a pace that's right for English learners. Sign up for free today. On today's lesson: ChatGPT is artificial intelligence for the masses. It's the first widely-adopted consumer application of a Large Language Model, which uses billions of inputs to answer questions (often correct...
May 22, 2023•30 min•Ep. 575
" A Colorado startup has developed a gun that only fires when an authorized user is holding it. The purpose is to provide owners with the self-defense, but also prevent accidental shootings from children and from unauthorized users. But who would buy this gun? Plus, learn the English phrasal verb 'hold 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://plainenglish.com/573 -- Learning Engli...
May 18, 2023•25 min•Ep. 573
" Jerry Springer, a politician-turned-talk-show-host, invented a new genre of television: daytime trash. On his show, guests threw food, punches, and expletives, all while a bemused Springer egged them on. It was a precursor to reality TV shows of today. Springer died recently at age 79. Plus, learn the English expression ""push the boundaries."" -- 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:...
May 15, 2023•24 min•Ep. 572
" ""The Phantom of the Opera"" played its final show at the Majestic Theater in New York, ending its 35-year run on Broadway. The story is based on a novel by Gaston Leroux. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber made it legendary with the musical adaptation, which has been performed in 182 cities in 17 languages. Plus, learn the English expression ""set the stage."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found...
May 11, 2023•24 min•Ep. 571
" Pickleball is a family-oriented paddle sport played on a hard surface with low net. Fans like it because it's easy to learn and easy to play. But this very social sport makes a lot of noise, angering neighbors. And don't get the tennis players started. Plus, learn the English expression ""backed 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.com/570 -- Learning English s...
May 08, 2023•23 min•Ep. 570
" New Orleans, Louisiana, is a mixture of unique cuisines and cultures. Located where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city suffered a devastating hurricane in 2005. But it recovered and the city's tourism industry, including its famed Bourbon Street, is as strong as ever. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""wind through."" -- 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:/...
May 04, 2023•25 min•Ep. 569
" India has passed China to become the world's most populous country, according to U.N. population projections. About 1.4 billion people live in both, but India's population will continue to grow into the 2060s, projections show. In this lesson, you'll learn more about what is now the world's biggest country by population. Plus, learn the English expression ""headed in."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcrip...
May 01, 2023•22 min•Ep. 568
Follow us on Instagram and check out our Stories for more ways to interact with Plain English: @plainenglishpod Think of American fast food and names like McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and KFC come to mind. But Chick-fil-A, a chain focused on chicken, has recently become the third-biggest chain by total sales. And after stumbling once, it's ready to expand internationally. The chain plans to open stores in Europe and Asia. Plus, learn English expression ""stay in your lane."" -- At Plain E...
Apr 27, 2023•24 min•Ep. 567
Follow us on Instagram and check out our Stories for more ways to interact with Plain English: @plainenglishpod Donald Trump has been charged in New York with falsifying business records, marking the first time that an American president has been indicted. But prosecutors face serious challenges in this case. The legal theory is untested, the charges go back more than five years, and the main witness is problematic. Other charges against Trump are on more solid footing. Plus, learn the English p...
Apr 24, 2023•25 min•Ep. 566
Connect with Plain English on Instagram: @plainenglishpod Leave a like by the content you enjoy & we'll make more of it in the future. We talk about a lot of topics at Plain English, and today we're getting up to speed on several topics we've discussed before. The topics cover politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and a new home for some heavy hippos. Plus, learn the English expression ""with a straight face."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -...
Apr 20, 2023•24 min•Ep. 565
Connect with Plain English on Instagram: @plainenglishpod Leave a like by the content you enjoy & we'll make more of it in the future. The ozone layer, a part of the stratosphere that deflects the sun's harmful UV rays, was in danger of disappearing due to industrial and consumer chemicals. But a global treaty signed in Montreal reversed the damage. Now, a new report says the ozone layer is on track to fully repair itself by the 2060s. Plus, learn the English expression ""thin out."" -- At P...
Apr 17, 2023•23 min•Ep. 564
**New: Another great way to engage with Plain English is on Instagram! Find us @plainenglishpod Sargassum is a type of seaweed that floats on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. It provides nutrients, shade, and shelter for marine life. But when there's too much of it, it washes up on beaches in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico. And that's a major problem for beachgoers and hotel owners. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""wash up."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the moder...
Apr 13, 2023•20 min•Ep. 563
**New: Another great way to engage with Plain English is on Instagram! Find us @plainenglishpod Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse, and a handful of smaller banks closed after confidence in the banking system was shaken in March. Silicon Valley Bank suffered a run triggered by its bonds, while Credit Suisse was absorbed by its rival UBS after years of unrelated problems. Plus, learn the English expression ""herd mentality."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- T...
Apr 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 562
" Activated charcoal is carbon treated with oxygen and heated at very high temperatures. The result is a fine and porous powder. In a medical setting, it can combat poisoning, aid the kidneys, and even control bloating. It's also being added to consumer products like skin cream, toothpaste, and even towels, but the marketing claims behind these products are not scientifically substantiated. Plus, learn what it means to ""come across"" something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for t...
Apr 06, 2023•21 min•Ep. 561
" The pandemic put a new focus on mental health, but many people still don't (or can't) access the therapy they need. Others might want some general counseling, but don't need a full therapy relationship. Enter the therapy apps like Woebot. They aim to provide general help to consumers that don't need (or can't get) full therapy treatment. They're effective at some things, but are no substitute for the real thing. Plus, learn the English expression ""cracks in the system."" -- At Plain English, ...
Apr 03, 2023•24 min•Ep. 560
" As prices of old office buildings fall, developers are looking into converting them into apartments. This would help city centers, but a variety of practical and economic challenges make such projects difficult. Still, the rewards can be high for the developers who can make it work. Plus, learn English phrase ""get wind 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/...
Mar 30, 2023•24 min•Ep. 559
" Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the world has ""returned to normal."" But for New York City-area commuters, that normal means making the long commute into Manhattan much less often. The city is only now coming to grips with what that might mean in the long run. Plus, learn the English expression ""inflection point."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: http...
Mar 27, 2023•22 min•Ep. 558
" Xoloft, Ibrance, Zocor, Mounjaro: How do drug companies come up with these names? When a pharmaceutical company develops a new treatment, the company creates both the generic (scientific) name and the brand name. They sound weird, but there's a method behind the madness of naming prescription drugs. Plus, learn the English expression ""plenty 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: ht...
Mar 23, 2023•27 min•Ep. 557
" Obesity affects over a billion people worldwide and can lead to chronic diseases like heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Now, a new class of drugs has been shown to reduce weight in obese patients by up to 20 percent. This is promising, but it's not the magic bullet some may be hoping for. Plus, learn the English expression ""to spare."" -- 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...
Mar 20, 2023•22 min•Ep. 556
" Super Mario Brothers was one of the first games available on the original Nintendo video game console, and it went on to become one of the most popular video games of all time. Now, it's reborn as a theme park at Universal Studios in Tokyo and Hollywood. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ""team 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://plainenglish.com/555 -- Learning English should ...
Mar 16, 2023•22 min•Ep. 555
" A strong earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria last month, causing immense human and property damage. But the rubble in Turkey shows that many buildings were not constructed up to modern building codes. And the government was slow to respond to the emergency. Plus, learn the English expression ""bear the blame."" -- 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...
Mar 13, 2023•26 min•Ep. 554
" The movie ""Titanic"" shattered box-office records, demonstrated the possibility of special effects, and elevated artists like Leonardo DiCaprio and Celine Dion to stardom. Now, 25 years later, James Cameron's three-hour epic film has been re-released in 3-D, and it's just as good as when it came out. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""root 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:...
Mar 09, 2023•22 min•Ep. 553
" A white balloon floating high above American airspace originated in China. The two sides don't agree on much more than that. The Americans say it was loaded with surveillance equipment and was used to spy on sensitive military sites. China says it was used for weather research and was blown off course. The U.S. shot it down over the Atlantic Ocean, and the two sides are barely speaking. Plus, learn the English phrase ""blown off course."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the mo...
Mar 06, 2023•21 min•Ep. 552
" Fentanyl is a powerful painkiller used legally in hospitals. It can also amplify the effects of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit prescription drugs. But because it's so powerful, just a little too much fentanyl can be extremely dangerous. And it's causing a spike in overdose deaths among drug users. Plus, learn the phrasal verb ""mix in."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be foun...
Mar 02, 2023•21 min•Ep. 551
