Great news -- the expressions are back! "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode! -- There are two ways to use the phrasal verb "figure out." Number 1: "figure out" means to find the solution to a problem. Now be careful: it doesn't mean fixing a problem. It just means finding the solution. If your car needs to be repaired, you'll want to figure out how you're going to get to work while it's in the shop. Find the solution before you take your car in. Number 2: "figure out" can mean to understand something complex. Like, "I can't figure out why my car is making a strange noise." Here's a tip: after "figure out," use words like "who, what, when, where, or why." -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

Today's story: Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, announced his retirement at age 94 during his company's 2025 annual meeting. Buffett transformed Berkshire Hathaway, a failing textile business, into a holding company, where he pursued his disciplined value investing strategy. Over a sixty-year career, he consistently beat the market performance by a wide margin and amassed one of the world's largest personal fortunes. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/776 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Mark Carney, former head of the central banks of Canada and the UK, led Canada's struggling Liberal party to an improbable, come-from-behind victory in the 2025 elections. He focused his campaign on protecting Canada’s interests, after Donald Trump imposed tariffs and threatened to make Canada the 51st American state. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/775 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/775 -- In this lesson, you heard the English expressions "keep track of" and "at the last minute." Both are part of our Essential English Expressions series. Listen to the episodes here: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/keep-track-of and https://plainenglish.com/expressions/at-the-last-minute -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Great news -- the expressions are back! "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode! -- The English expression "make sure" means to confirm that things are as they should be, or that people have done what they should do. You probably "make sure" all the time. When you leave your house, you make sure you have your keys with you. Before you go on long trip, you make sure your passport is still valid. Here's a tip: You can use "make sure" to remind someone to do something. If you have kids, you can say, "Make sure to brush your teeth before bed." Now, here's my reminder to you: "Make sure" to use this expression correctly. Use "make sure" to confirm that everything is the way it should be. -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

Today's story: LinkedIn has evolved from a resume and networking site into a platform where users share personal stories, professional lessons, and insights. Changes to the algorithm, a shift in user behavior during the pandemic, and a more civil atmosphere have turned LinkedIn into a space for authentic content and unexpected influence. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/773 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/773 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Great news -- the expressions are back! "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode! -- Learn the English expression, "Expression: Make a difference" What does it mean to "make a difference?" This English expression has two meanings: Number one, to have a positive impact on the world. Or number 2, to have a noticeable effect. If someone volunteers at a food bank, you can say, "Her work really makes a difference." She's doing something good. She's having a positive impact on the world. Now imagine you change up your breakfast. Instead of having a muffin, you have a green smoothie. Now, you have more energy. Your new breakfast made a difference because it had a noticeable effect. -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

Today's story: When a pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals, made up of senior advisors, convenes at the Vatican to elect a successor. Cardinals under age 80 enter a secret Conclave inside the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in silence and prayer until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. White smoke signals the world that a new pope has been chosen. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/772 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/772 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Mass timber is a new type of engineered wood that allows buildings to reach heights once thought impossible for timber. It’s efficient to build, environmentally friendly, and gaining popularity in cities around the world, especially in Europe. But challenges like fire safety and moisture still remain. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/771 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/771 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Great news -- the expressions are back! "Essential English Expressions" is a brand-new podcast from Plain English. All 14 episodes from Season 1 are available now for you to stream. Click this link to subscribe on your favorite player: https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listen In the meantime, enjoy this sample episode! -- Learn the English expression, "Expression: Look forward to" Are you happy or excited about something in the future? If so, you're "looking forward to" it You can look forward to an event, an activity, or even a time of year. If you have plans to see a movie this weekend, you can say, "I'm looking forward to seeing the movie." That means you're happy about it. If it's just been a long, cold winter, you might even say, "I'm looking forward to the warm weather." That means, you'll be happy when the weather gets warmer. What about if something will happen and you're not happy about it? Just say you're not looking forward to it. "I'm not looking forward to this party." That means, the party is coming...but you don't want to go. So remember: "look forward to" is all about the way you feel about something that's coming in the future. -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course

Big news from Plain English.... The Expressions are coming back! Announcing... a brand-new podcast, "Essential English Expressions" Every episode in "Essential English Expressions" shows you step-by-step how to use an important expression in English. All 14 episodes of Season 1 are available for you to download or stream right now! Here is what to do: Click here to find "Essential English Expressions": https://essential-english.captivate.fm/listenSubscribe to / Follow "Essential English Expressions" on your podcast app -- Like this episode? Sign up to our free e-mail course on English expressions: https://plainenglish.com/essential-expressions-course Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Le Creuset was founded in 1925 by two Belgian entrepreneurs who revolutionized cast iron cookware with colorful enamel and thoughtful design. Over 100 years, the company evolved from a local French producer into a global kitchen brand, with fans collecting its distinctive pieces and even passing them down to their kids. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/770 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/770 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: In this episode, you'll hear updates from several recent Plain English stories. Daniel Kahneman, who wrote the book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" died at age 90. What wasn't reported at the time: he went to Switzerland to end his own life. Plus, the movie "Rust" is coming out after the fatal gun accident on set. Standardized tests are making a comeback. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/769 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/769 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: In this first of two update episodes, you'll hear the latest on several recent Plain English stories. The astronauts who were stranded in space have come home. The former Spanish soccer federation president was ordered to pay a fine for kissing a player after the World Cup. More running records fall, thanks to new shoe designs. El Salvador has dropped Bitcoin. Trump wants to pause the penny. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/768 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/768 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Crumbl Cookies is a gourmet dessert company known for its rotating menu, bold flavors, and eye-catching pink boxes. Since its beginnings in 2017, the company has used social media virality tactics to grow (and consumers are eating it up). But do the cookies live up to the hype? Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/767 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on nearly every country in the world, triggering panic in global markets. But just days later, he walked back the harshest parts of the plan, leaving investors, business leaders, and political allies confused and shaken. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/766 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Top sheets are a staple in some parts of the world, while in others they’re practically unknown. In places like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Latin America, a flat sheet between you and your blanket is seen as essential. But in much of Europe and Asia, sleepers go straight under a duvet with a washable cover. So what do you say: is a top sheet essential or too much work? Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/765 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Skype launched in 2003 and transformed long-distance communication by making voice and video calls cheaper and easier. After early success, the platform was sold to eBay and later to Microsoft, where it became part of the company’s business tools. As newer apps took over the market, Skype lost relevance and will be shut down in 2025. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/764 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Co-living is like coworking for your personal life: flexible, furnished housing in shared spaces without the commitment of a long term lease or the need to own furniture. It can work for temporary stays and international moves, but high prices and limited privacy mean it isn’t for everyone. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/763 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, used by governments to raise revenue, protect local industries, or retaliate in trade disputes. They’ve existed for centuries, but have fallen in recent decades. But Donald Trump has made trade barriers popular again. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/762 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/762 -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Denmark’s government-run postal service, PostNord, traces its roots to the year 1624. But at the end of 2025, it will stop delivering letters. The country has seen a 90% drop in mail volume since 2000, making letter delivery economically unsustainable. While private couriers will deliver letters to some places (at a price), Denmark will become the first country to eliminate universal mail service entirely. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/761 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/761 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Self-driving cars don’t just need advanced technology—they also need a moral code. Engineers must program vehicles to make ethical decisions in life-or-death situations, such as choosing between protecting a passenger or a pedestrian. But how can a machine's software make such personal decisions? Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/760 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/760 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Self-driving cars were supposed to be here by now—but the road to autonomy has been bumpier than expected. The technology has gotten better, but the sensors and cameras remain imperfect. Meanwhile, uncertainties in the business and legal environment have contributed to the delays. Some companies have scaled back their ambitions, while others, like Tesla and Waymo, continue to push forward. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/759 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Amazon has taken full creative control of James Bond, ending six decades of stewardship by the family of film producer Albert Broccoli. Previously, the family carefully managed the creative direction of the Bond franchise, even as big studios produced the movies. Now, Amazon may make more frequent films, expand Bond storylines, and push the character into new media like theme parks and animated specials. But some Bond fans worry the tech giant will dilute the brand and let algorithms decide the future of a beloved character. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/758 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Today's story: Manual transmissions were once a cheaper, more fuel-efficient alternative to automatics. But automatics have gotten better, and consumers overwhelmingly prefer them. Now, only about 1% of new cars in the U.S. and Canada come with a stick shift. Those who prefer to shift their own gears must pay up for a higher trim line or a performance car. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/757 Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/757 -- Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English. You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English. How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English. The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English. -- Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email Mentioned in this episode: The Expressions are back! Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].