Plain English is the podcast for learners everywhere who want to improve their English in a fun and modern way. Every Monday and Thursday, we explore the events and trends that shape the world in clear, understandable English. We also take a close look at one English expression or phrasal verb in each episode. Best of all, we go at a slower speed so you can understand every word. By listening to current events and trending topics, you will expand your vocabulary, improve your English listening, and learn about the world. No wonder learners from 160+ countries have made Plain English part of their routine. Read full transcripts and unlock free extras at PlainEnglish.com
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Gesamtlänge aller Episoden: 9 days 14 hours 47 minutes
episode 661: Four questions about weight-loss drugs (Press up against)
" Weight-loss drugs look to figure prominently in the business and health landscape of the future. So today, we take a look at four questions about these drugs: How do patients' take them? Are they covered by insurance? How much do they cost? And why...
episode 660: The perils of going off weight-loss drugs (Slow down)
" Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy have become extremely popular in recent years. Recent studies confirm that patients regain much of the weight they lose if they ever stop treatment. But not everyone can afford to take these drugs for life. -- At Plain...
episode 659: How our lives are different after the pandemic (Stick with)
" Four years ago, our lives changed in an instant. As the immediate danger of the pandemic subsided, we went back to our old habits of eating indoors, gathering with friends and family, and traveling. But there are some changes that persisted, even...
episode 658: COVID predictions that never came true (Come true)
" People would never go on cruises again. They'd probably wear paper face masks in public, even after the pandemic receded. These are just two examples of predictions that did not come true. Four years after the ""novel coronavirus"" swept the world,...
episode 657: Meet me at the 'zombie mall' (Put off)
" What happens to a large shopping mall after the biggest stores close? The mall often stays open in a zombie state: fewer customers, lower quality, and a depressing vibe. But they can still be profitable under the right circumstances. -- At Plain...
episode 656: The rise and slow fall of the indoor mall (Wander around)
" The enclosed shopping mall was once the epicenter of suburban social life. But now, the age of the indoor mall is ending. E-commerce and shifting consumer preferences have left some malls struggling. Here's how malls rose to prominence...and how...
episode 655: The fate of the penny in 7 currencies (More trouble than it's worth)
" Swiss francs, British pounds, euros, and various kinds of dollars are divided into hundredths. But not all currencies have 1/100th coins. Today, we look at how Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, euro-area countries, the U.S., and the U.K....
episode 654: ‘Nearshoring’ in Mexico and eastern Europe (Carve out)
" If the 1990s and 2000s were about globalization and offshoring, then the 2020s are about ""nearshoring."" Large companies in the U.S. and western Europe want to bring manufacturing and services closer to home. But they still want lower-cost labor...
episode 653: The winners and losers of Leap Years (Fall on)
" Leap Years come (about!) once every four years. The unusual day can cause havoc for some people, least of all the approximately 5 million who were born on February 29. In this lighthearted story, we take a look at how the day affects different...
episode 652: AM radio goes missing in electric cars (Have something going)
" AM radio has been around for over a hundred years and one of the most popular places to listen is in the car. Now, though, some carmakers have decided not to include AM antennas in their new electric cars. The electric components in the car...