Podcast Episodes

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 spe…

5 months, 3 weeks ago

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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. T…

5 months, 3 weeks ago

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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 seaso…

6 months ago

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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 L…

6 months ago

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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…

6 months, 1 week ago

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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 eeri…

6 months, 1 week ago

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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 …

6 months, 2 weeks ago

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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 ce…

6 months, 2 weeks ago

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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 s…

6 months, 3 weeks ago

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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…

6 months, 3 weeks ago

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