Plain English

Every winter, Girl Scouts hit the streets to sell their beloved cookies, a cherished tradition since 1917. This fun and tasty event teaches girls essential skills like sales, planning, and customer service. The iconic flavors, from Thin Mints to Samoas, keep customers coming back year after year. Not only do these sales satiate cravings, but they also raise significant funds for troops and councils across the nation, fostering community spirit and teamwork.

Today's story: Jimmy Carter, who died at the end of 2024, was America's 39th president. His term in office was marked by challenges, and he suffered a lopsided loss in the 1980 election. But after he left office, he founded one of the most influential global nonprofits. The Carter Center has had an extraordinary positive impact on humanity in areas ranging from peace to health to democracy.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/742--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

Today's story: Australia’s new law bans children under 16 from social media, but two key questions remain: how will platforms verify user ages, and what exactly counts as a social media platform? So much of the online world has at least some social component: will teen book nerds be kicked off Goodreads?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/741Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/741 --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

Australia has introduced a law preventing kids under 16 from using social media like TikTok and Instagram. This bold move aims to protect young users from cyberbullying and mental health issues. However, critics argue it infringes on children's freedom to connect online. The discussion touches on similar laws worldwide and the ongoing debate over government regulation of youth internet access. Additionally, the complexities of age verification on social platforms are explored, alongside resources for English learners.

Processed foods are considered unhealthy, leading to obesity and heart disease. The discussion highlights how these foods often contain high levels of fat, sugar, and salt, disrupting our body's natural fullness signals. A case study on Cheerios reveals how processing can strip away essential nutrients. There's also an emphasis on understanding food origins and how lifestyle and genetics play roles in health outcomes. Lastly, language learning tools that offer instant translations are showcased to enhance comprehension.

Explore the intriguing stories shaping 2025, starting with Donald Trump's potential return and its global trade implications. Delve into the evolving landscape of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, focusing on prospective peace talks. Additionally, uncover how artificial intelligence is transforming business practices, emphasizing the contrasting adoption rates between large and small companies. The discussion also highlights challenges and opportunities presented by AI, alongside innovative tools enhancing language learning for non-native speakers.

Gift-giving dances between joy and economic waste. Studies reveal that many gifts don't hold the value expected, leading to a 'deadweight loss.' Yet, meaningful gifts can still shine bright if carefully chosen. The art lies in selecting personal items for loved ones while keeping it simple for acquaintances. Additionally, the podcast reflects on its own growth and emphasizes foresight in decision-making. Dive into the complexities of what makes gifts truly valuable and learn how to navigate gifting with intention.

Today's story: Romance novels are the bestselling genre in publishing, outselling thrillers, mysteries, and self-help books. This story explores what makes a book a romance, the genre’s rich history, its subgenres, and how e-readers and self-publishing have fueled its success.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/736 --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

Colm Tóibín's new novel, a sequel to 'Brooklyn,' centers on Eilis Lacey, exploring her evolution as she navigates identity and family ties in 1970s America. The podcast dives into the emotional complexities of her relationships, revealing the struggles and desires that shape her character. It also examines financial challenges, especially for families in New York City, comparing the high living costs with the reality of middle-class salaries. Language accessibility of both novels enhances the reading experience for diverse audiences.

Today's story: Plasma is a light-yellow liquid that makes up about half the volume of our blood. It plays an important role carrying substances from one part of the body to another. It's also a critical ingredient in life-saving treatments. It's easy and safe to donate plasma, but the world still faces a shortage. Is it time for more countries to allow patients to be paid to donate plasma?Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/734Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/734 --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