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 651: British Post Office scandal: a 'miscarriage of justice' (Drop off)
" Thousands of post office workers in the U.K. were falsely accused of accounting fraud--all because of a faulty computer system. Hundreds were falsely convicted, while many more lost their savings. Four committed suicide. Now, a new drama on the...
episode 650: Correcting bias in academic research (Give in)
" The world of academic publishing has been shaken by a series of scandals of late. But one idea aims to correct the biases in research. A ""registered report"" brings greater transparency and controls to the research process. And some journals pledge...
episode 649: The dark side of 'publish or perish' (Cross a line)
" Academic researchers are under intense career pressure to publish their findings, a pressure known as ""publish or perish."" While that pressure means that researchers stay productive, it can also lead to unethical research practices or data...
episode 648: More problems for Boeing's 737-MAX (Turn around)
" A key part blew off the body of a Boeing 737-MAX plane shortly after takeoff, ripping the shirt of a passenger and causing a drop in cabin air pressure. The plane landed safely, but America's FAA has opened an investigation into the plane's safety....
episode 647: Should London's pedicabs be regulated? (Draw the line)
" Pedicabs -- bicycles with fancy carriages on the back -- are popular in London's West End and SoHo. Due to a quirk in London's taxi law, they operate without any type of regulation. But they're widely seen as a rip-off for tourists and a nuisance...
episode 646: Ecuador is living a drug-fueled nightmare (Fill a vacuum)
" Ecuador, nestled between Peru and Colombia on South America's Pacific coast, was once one of the safest countries in the Americas. But now, the it's suffering a spiral of violence, fueled by foreign drug gangs. -- At Plain English, we make English...
episode 645: The new six-figure job: prompt engineer (Scratch the surface)
" If you have a knack for writing the perfect prompt in ChatGPT, then you might want to become a ""prompt engineer."" That's the new job title for people who help companies use GPT and other AI models to achieve their goals. But it's a lot more than...
episode 644: Meet the new neighbor: he's a grizzly bear (Pass down)
" The grizzly bear population has grown in the western United States, after successful conservation efforts. But that means the bears, which can weigh 400 kilograms, are coming into conflict with humans who live in the area. Here's how the people are...
episode 643: Ikea is heading to the city center (Pick out)
" Ikea stores are known for being very big and far from the city center. For many shoppers, a trip to Ikea is a full-day event. But now the Swedish furniture store is opening smaller stores in city centers, hoping to appeal to apartment-dwellers who...
episode 642: The southern accent is fading away (Fade away)
" One of the most distinctive English accents is the ""southern accent,"" popular in American states from Texas to Virginia. But younger people are losing the accent. Researchers suspect it's due to internal migration within the U.S. -- At Plain...