Plain English

Delve into the fascinating world of the Birkin handbag, known for its steep prices and exclusivity. Discover the lengths one must go to just to obtain this status symbol, from building relationships with sales associates to spending thousands elsewhere. Learn about the phrasal verb 'deal with' and its various meanings, including managing challenges and discussing topics. Finally, explore highlights from Fashion Month, emphasizing the iconic Birkin while encouraging language skill improvements.

Abercrombie & Fitch has made a surprising comeback, shifting from a symbol of exclusivity to a mall favorite. The podcast explores its controversial history, including past marketing backlash and recent rebranding efforts aimed at inclusivity. The discussion also highlights the phrase 'take it easy,' explaining its meanings and everyday usage. Tune in to learn how a brand can reinvent itself and pick up some useful English expressions along the way.

Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends,' tragically discusses his overdose from ketamine in 2023. He sheds light on the rising use of ketamine for mental health treatment, paired with the risks of its recreational use. The podcast explores the dark underbelly of ketamine distribution and how it is sold as a luxury alternative to other drugs. It also delves into the nuances of expressing uncertainty in communication, emphasizing phrases like 'as far as I know' to navigate complex topics.

Neckties have a rich history as symbols of power, tracing back to 17th century France. They've been a staple of business attire but are increasingly being left at home, especially post-pandemic. Could ties soon be merely optional accessories in modern fashion? Additionally, there's a discussion on a new translation feature aimed at helping listeners navigate unfamiliar terms, enhancing both comprehension and language learning. It's an intriguing look at evolving styles and innovative tools!

Suni Williams is a veteran astronaut who has spent countless hours in orbit, while Barry Wilmore has extensive spaceflight experience. Together, they share their unexpected journey when their eight-day mission turned into an eight-month stay after thruster malfunctions. They dive into the emotional and operational challenges they faced during this extended time aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, they discuss the broader implications of long-term investments and consistent practice in language learning, drawing fascinating connections between space exploration and personal growth.

Discover why women's clothing sizes are so perplexing, from the history of custom tailoring to the impact of vanity sizing. Learn how different brands create misleading size standards that confuse shoppers. Additionally, explore the expression 'to be in touch' and its relevance in maintaining personal and professional relationships. The discussion also highlights the importance of staying connected and being aware of both fashion trends and emotional connections.

Today's story: Turkey's parliament recently passed a law aimed at removing millions of dogs living on the street. The law doesn't specifically require euthanasia. But many in Turkey are afraid this new law will nonetheless lead to mass killing of the dogs they've grown attached to.Learn this English expression: Something that 'gets out of hand' becomes difficult to manageFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/708 --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: At age 81, Joe Biden was the oldest person ever to seek the U.S. presidency. And while voters had concerns about his age, he easily won the Democratic Party's nomination. But after a terrible debate performance, he withdrew from the race. The sitting vice president, Kamala Harris, will face Donald Trump in the November election.Learn this English expression: A race is 'down to the wire' if the result is in doubt until the last momentFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/707 --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

Dive into the rollercoaster of summer 2024, where political drama unfolds with an attempted assassination and an unexpected election landslide. Explore the cultural changes sparked by major events, like a significant prisoner swap. Discover humorous tactics for evading jury duty and mundane chores like dishwashing. The chat veers into the corporate world, pondering how to skip unneeded meetings. Plus, learn how to boost your listening skills with instant translations for tricky vocabulary!

Today's story: Most American families are confronted with the decision to buy or rent a home at some point. This decision is a common one around the world, but the specific pros and cons can be different, depending on the country. Here's what the decision is like in the U.S.Learn this English expression: When someone has given you money, and you return it, you pay that person backFull lesson: https://plainenglish.com/705 --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