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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 …
8 months ago
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…
8 months ago
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…
8 months, 1 week ago
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…
8 months, 1 week ago
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 un…
8 months, 2 weeks 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 d…
8 months, 2 weeks 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 sustainabi…
8 months, 3 weeks 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 ou…
8 months, 4 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 shor…
9 months 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…
9 months ago