Podcast Episodes
Back to SearchLEDs are making our world cooler and bluer
Episode 831
Today's story: LEDs have replaced older light sources in homes, offices, cars, and city streets. They are more efficient, longer-lasting, and more fl…
3 months, 2 weeks ago
Expression: To have your work cut out for you
Episode 830
Learn what it means to have your work cut out for you (hint: it's not about cutting).
Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: htt…
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Winemakers are in trouble
Episode 829
Today's story: Wine has been part of daily human life for centuries, and today it's produced in 70 countries. But winemakers and vineyards are facing…
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Expression: Keep your options open
Episode 828
Learn how to use the expression “keep your options open,” a phrase people use when they haven’t yet made a decision.
Explore the full lesson & practic…
3 months, 4 weeks ago
How Labubus became so popular
Episode 827
Today's story: Labubu is a mischievous, rabbit-eared character created by illustrator Kasing Lung. Chinese toymaker Pop Mart has turned Labubu into a…
4 months ago
Learn the best expressions at PlainEnglish.com
We're starting the new year right at Plain English, with a new learning path to help you learn the best English expressions.
At PlainEnglish.com, we h…
4 months ago
Cognitive switching is killing your productivity [archive]
Episode 367
Revisit this classic lesson on cognitive switching from the Plain English archives: What is cognitive switching? It’s when you switch your attention …
4 months, 1 week ago
Who deserves the San Jose's treasure? [archive]
Episode 632
Enjoy this episode from the Plain English archives (with a recent update for 2025): The San José, a Spanish treasure ship carrying gold, silver, and …
4 months, 1 week ago
Five timeless Christmas stories
Episode 826
Today's story: Classic stories are an important part of Christmas traditions for both kids and adults. They teach values of generosity, family, love,…
4 months, 2 weeks ago
'A Man on the Inside' is a sweet, intergenerational comedy
Episode 825
Today's story: Ted Danson stars in *Man on the Inside*, a warm, thoughtful comedy about a retired professor who becomes a private investigator. The s…
4 months, 2 weeks ago