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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 buildings. This phenomenon, called subsidence, can damag…
Published on 1 month 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 restarted. The screen was splashed across display board…
Published on 1 month, 1 week 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 residents truly want to break away. However, the growing i…
Published on 1 month, 1 week 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 nationality of their parents. The modern version starte…
Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago
![The last Blockbuster [archive episode]](https://artwork.captivate.fm/1be30c3a-462f-40a7-883f-935113d5f17f/pe-podcast-main-show.png)
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 rentals, and it called to mind this classic episo…
Published on 1 month, 2 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 episode about how to apologize — not how to say the w…
Published on 1 month, 3 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 stars like Beyoncé and Post Malone embrace country el…
Published on 1 month, 3 weeks 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, the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour shakes up trad…
Published on 1 month, 4 weeks 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 several waves of similar attacks around the world. Vict…
Published on 2 months 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 previously thought. Researchers captured video of orcas…
Published on 2 months ago