Podcast Episodes
Back to Search
Cities are getting that sinking feeling
Episode 797
Today's story: Cities around the world are sinking due to a combination of groundwater extraction, rapid urbanization, and the weight of large buildi…
10 months, 1 week ago
Microsoft’s ‘Blue Screen of Death’ is going away
Episode 796
Today's story: For decades, white text on a full blue background has meant one thing to Windows users: the computer has crashed and needs to be resta…
10 months, 2 weeks ago
Alberta flirts with separation from Canada
Episode 795
Today's story: The western province of Alberta is moving toward a vote of independence from Canada. Polls show that only about 30 percent of resident…
10 months, 2 weeks ago
What citizenship do you get at birth?
Episode 794
Today's story: 'Birthright citizenship' is the legal concept that grants citizenship to children born within a country's borders, no matter the natio…
10 months, 3 weeks ago
The last Blockbuster [archive episode]
Episode 355
We recently did an episode about how movie titles are translated from their original to other languages. That made us nostalgic for the days of movie…
10 months, 3 weeks ago
How to apologize [archive episode]
Episode 402
It's sometimes said that the two hardest words to say in the English language are, "I'm sorry." Today, we're republishing a classic Plain English epi…
10 months, 4 weeks ago
Country music is growing its mainstream appeal
Episode 793
Today's story: Country music has long existed in its own space, with a dedicated fanbase and distinct sound. But recent years have seen major pop sta…
11 months ago
'Freestyle' chess scrambles the board
Episode 792
Today's story: A new global chess tour is trying to make the ancient game more exciting—for both players and viewers. Spearheaded by Magnus Carlsen, …
11 months ago
Wave of needle stabbings reported in France
Episode 791
Today's story: Almost 150 people in France reported being stabbed with a needle during a summer music festival in 2025. It's just the latest in sever…
11 months, 1 week ago
Drone video shows orcas using kelp as a tool
Episode 790
Today's story: Orcas are the largest type of dolphin, and they're known for their intelligence. A recent study proves they are more clever than previ…
11 months, 1 week ago