Plain English

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/771Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/771 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

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/listenIn 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" itYou 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

Celebrate 100 years of Le Creuset, a brand that transformed cookware with its vibrant enamel and innovative design. Discover the fascinating journey from its Belgian roots to global fame. Personal cooking anecdotes shine through, including nostalgic camping trips with a beloved Dutch oven. The podcast also inspires listeners to elevate their culinary skills, making both history and personal stories deliciously relatable.

The podcast discusses the intriguing life and tragic end of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, who chose assisted suicide. It also covers the upcoming release of the movie 'Rust', which follows a tragic on-set accident. Additionally, listeners learn about the resurgence of standardized tests in university admissions and key legal updates surrounding the film. Plus, there's a focus on enriching English learning through storytelling, making the process both enjoyable and practical.

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/768Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/768 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Discover the unique flavors and extravagant designs of Crumbl Cookies, a gourmet company that skyrocketed to fame through social media. The founders share their vision and passion, highlighting the joy of tasting and sharing these bold treats. Are the cookies as delicious as they look? Tune in to explore the connection between dessert culture and social media trends!

Donald Trump's new tariffs on nearly every country sent shockwaves through global markets, prompting confusion among investors and political allies. As he quickly retracted the harshest measures, concerns grew over the potential risks of a global recession. The discussion delves into the chaotic impact of these policies on international trade and the historical context behind them. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed and enhance their English skills in the process.

Dive into the cultural debate over top sheets in bedding! Discover how regional customs shape our sleeping habits, from the essentials of a top sheet in North America to the duvet-loving preferences in Europe. Explore practical benefits of using a top sheet, especially during warm nights when duvets can feel too hot. Personal preferences in tucking styles add an interesting twist to the conversation. It's a light-hearted exploration that prompts you to reassess your own bedding choices!

Skype revolutionized long-distance communication when it launched in 2003, making calls more accessible than ever. It had an impressive rise, becoming a key player in internet calling before being sold to eBay and later Microsoft. However, as competition increased, Skype's popularity dwindled. The platform is set to be shut down in 2025, reflecting on how user preferences shifted towards newer apps like Microsoft Teams. The podcast shares personal insights on Skype's advantages while exploring its lasting impact on the technology landscape.