Podcast Episodes

New discoveries from ancient Pompeii

Episode 809

Today's story: Archaeologists are excavating a never-before-studied part of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by a volcanic eruption. They’ve uncovered luxury homes, decorated bathhouses, and ev…

Published on 1 month ago

More schools are banning cell phones

Episode 808

Today's story: A growing number of state and national education systems are banning cell phone use during the school day. Supporters say phones are distracting, addictive, and bad for learning. Not e…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Newest status symbol? Your water bottle

Episode 807

Today's story: Reusable water bottles have become a big global industry, driven by health trends, social media, and changing values around sustainability and style. Brands like Stanley turned practic…

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Alcaraz & Sinner: the new rivalry in men’s tennis

Episode 806

Today's story: For two decades, the Big Three—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—defined men’s tennis. With Federer and Nadal retired and Djokovic aging out of contention, a new rivalry has taken center st…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Canada's sweetest export: maple syrup

Episode 424

In this lesson from the Plain English archives, you'll learn about one of Canada's sweetest exports: maple syrup. In 2021, there were fears of a shortage. This episode tells the story.

"A weaker maple…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

⚖️ Emoji in the courtroom

Episode 608

Enjoy this episode from the Plain English archives. Emoji are everywhere, including some unlikely places...like the courtroom.

Court cases often hinge on what words mean. But what happens when a dispu…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

How stolen vehicles move around the world

Episode 805

Today's story: How do stolen cars move around the world? Easy. They're loaded into standard shipping containers and sent overseas using the same freight network that moves legal goods. Weak customs e…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Car theft goes global

Episode 804

Today's story: Car theft is on the rise, and it's high tech and global. Thieves in rich countries steal luxury SUVs using relay devices and other tools, then ship them overseas to markets in Africa a…

Published on 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Women are making inroads into officiating men’s sports

Episode 803

Today's story: Umpire Jen Pawol made history as the first woman to officiate a Major League Baseball game in 150 years. Her milestone highlights the growing presence of female officials in men’s spor…

Published on 2 months ago

Italy envisions a bridge to Sicily

Episode 802

Today's story: Italy has approved plans for the Messina Bridge, a €13.5 billion suspension bridge linking Sicily to the mainland. If completed by 2033, it would be the world’s longest suspension brid…

Published on 2 months ago