Plain English

Today's story: This story explores three impactful self-help books that break away from the usual clichés. ""Four Thousand Weeks"" by Oliver Burkeman, ""Deep Work"" by Cal Newport, and ""The Power of Habit"" by Charles Duhigg offer fresh perspectives on managing time, focusing deeply, and building positive habits. These books go beyond fluff to provide readers with thoughtful, research-backed insights that can genuinely improve their lives.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/733Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/733 --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: The Europa Clipper, NASA’s latest mission to explore potential life in the solar system, is set to arrive at Jupiter’s orbit in 2030. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced instruments, the spacecraft will take photos of what astronomers think is a vast ocean beneath the icy surface of one of Jupiter's many moons.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/732Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/732 --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: Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey; it’s also about the delicious side dishes that complete the holiday meal. From savory stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes to tart cranberry sauce and green bean casserole, these traditional dishes add color and flavor to every American Thanksgiving table.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/731Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/731 --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: After losing in 2020, Donald Trump faced widespread criticism and seemed politically finished. However, a combination of Joe Biden's policy choices and Trump's resilient, disciplined 2024 campaign led the former president to an improbable comeback. He became only the second person to win the presidency after once having lost it.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/730Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/730 --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

Camel milk is gaining global popularity for its nutritional benefits and lower environmental impact compared to traditional dairy. It's easier to digest due to lower lactose and offers higher vitamin content. Despite its advantages, camel milk faces challenges in scaling production and remains a niche product. The podcast also explores its cultural significance and unique taste, especially in African cuisine. Plus, listeners learn about the phrasal verb 'cut back on' through relatable examples, adding a practical twist to the conversation.

Today's story: Greenland, a vast but sparsely populated island, is investing in new airports and sustainable tourism strategies to attract international visitors. With upgrades to airport infrastructure and policies favoring local businesses, Greenland aims to offer an eco-friendly experience while preventing the kind of over-tourism experienced by neighboring Iceland. These efforts aim to bring economic benefits to the island while preserving its natural beauty and fostering a deeper connection to the outside world.Learn this English expression: Fall from graceFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/728 --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: A hand-copied manuscript of a musical composition believed to have been written by Mozart has been discovered in the archives of a German library. Mozart experts believe the composition dates to the 1760s, when Mozart was between 10 and 13 years old. An analysis of the music suggests that the piece is consistent with Mozart's style from this period. The piece is now titled 'Ganz kleine Nachtmusik' and was performed for the first time in Salzburg, Austria.Learn this English expression: Every now and thenFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/727 --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: The backflip has been a controversial move in figure skating for decades. It was first performed in high-level competition at the 1976 Olympics by American skater Terry Kubicka, but was quickly banned due to safety concerns. Despite its prohibition, some skaters continued to perform it in exhibitions. Now, nearly fifty years later, the International Skating Union has decided to legalize the backflip once again, though the move won’t earn skaters extra points in competition.Learn this English expression: Give awayFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/726 --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: Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from various animal organs mixed with oats and spices. In the traditional recipe, it's cooked in the lining of a sheep's stomach. It's a beloved part of Scottish culture (even if outsiders aren't always brave enough to try it).Learn this English expression: 'Out of reach' refers to something that is inaccessible or unattainableFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/725 --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: Scientists have completed a ""connectome"" of an adult fruit fly, mapping all 140,000 brain cells and the 55 million connections between them. The map will allow scientists to study in much greater detail how a brain works. And the complete connectome of the fruit fly may pave the way for mapping larger, more complex brains, including those of mice and, potentially, humans.Learn this English expression: 'On a roll' means experiencing a series of successes or feeling confident and energized.Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/724 --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