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Seniors are the new screen addicts
Episode 817
Today's story: Screen time among senior citizens has been growing recently, as more and more retirees use phones and tablets, in addition to time spent watching television. Online devices can help se…
Published on 9 hours ago
The rise and fall of Publishers Clearing House
Episode 816
Today's story: Publishers Clearing House made its name by offering magazine subscriptions through the mail—along with the chance to win big prizes. The lure of big winnings helped the company sell mi…
Published on 3 days, 9 hours ago
Four Seasons hotels win big with ‘White Lotus’
Episode 815
Today's story: The White Lotus may be fictional, but the luxury hotels in the show are real—and they’re getting a lot more attention. All three seasons of the HBO hit show "The White Lotus" were film…
Published on 1 week ago
Louvre robbery: How it happened
Episode 814
Today's story: On a Sunday morning in October, four thieves disguised as construction workers used a ladder truck and power tools to break into the Louvre museum. In just seven minutes, they smashed …
Published on 1 week, 3 days ago
![A visit to Dublin [archive]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/1be30c3a-462f-40a7-883f-935113d5f17f/pe-podcast-main-show.png)
A visit to Dublin [archive]
Episode 539
In this episode from the Plain English archives, you'll learn about Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland. It's a great place to explore the best of Irish culture: the music, the drinks, and…
Published on 2 weeks ago
What sound should a quiet car make?
Episode 498
In this episode from the Plain English archives: Electric vehicles promised to improve safety and reduce harmful CO2 emissions, but they’re also eerily quiet, which is causing safety problems for ped…
Published on 2 weeks, 3 days ago
Update episode: BTS, Birkin, NYC trash, Seine swimming & more
Episode 813
Today's story: Get ready for some updates to previous Plain English stories: New York begins rolling out containerized trash collection; Paris opens the Seine for public swimming; BTS announces a com…
Published on 3 weeks ago
Sagrada Familia nears completion after 140 years
Episode 812
Today's story: Construction on the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, is approaching a major milestone after more than 140 years. The basilica’s central tower is nearly complete, and the project is…
Published on 3 weeks, 3 days ago
Keep calm and carry on: the backstory
Episode 811
Today's story: A British wartime propaganda poster created in 1939 featured the slogan, ‘Keep calm and carry on.’ The poster was never used and the slogan had been forgotten, until it was rediscovere…
Published on 4 weeks ago
Why your AI always thinks you're brilliant
Episode 810
Today's story: Large language models like ChatGPT are increasingly sycophantic—flattering users, validating flawed reasoning, and agreeing too easily. This tendency stems from how models are trained:…
Published on 1 month ago