Today's story: The Birkin might be one of the coveted handbags in the world. Part of its appeal is its exclusivity: you can't just buy one in online or in a store. You have to build a relationship with a sales associate and spend thousands of dollars on other goods just to get one. So is it worth it?

Learn this English expression: To 'deal with' is to handle a challenge or talk about a subject

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/714

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: For a generation of Americans, the brand Abercrombie & Fitch was synonymous with overpriced, exclusive clothing for teenagers (and a highly sexualized staff and brand). It fell out of favor when the public mood turned against that kind of marketing. But against all odds, the company has turned its image around and is now a darling of the mall (and Wall Street).

Learn this English expression: Use 'take it easy' to talk about lowering the level of effort or intensity

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/713

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Matthew Perry, the actor who played Chandler on the popular TV series 'Friends,' died of an overdose of ketamine in 2023. Last month, five people were arrested in connection with his death, including a drug dealer to the stars called the 'Ketamine Queen,' government documents show.

Learn this English expression: Use 'as far as I know' to say what you think, even if you're not completely sure

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/712

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Today's story: Neckties were adopted in France in the 1600s as a symbol of power and respect. For many, they were a required part of business dress during the boom in white-collar work in the 20th century, but men are increasingly leaving the tie at home, even if they wear suits. So, is the necktie dead?

Learn this English expression: A 'close call' is when something bad almost happens--but doesn't

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/711

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore left Earth on June 5, planning to be in space for eight days. But thrusters on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, so they have to return on another vehicle in February 2025, bringing their time on the International Space Station to eight months.

Learn this English expression: Use 'short run' and 'long run' to talk about times in the future

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/710

--

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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Generations ago, women went to seamstresses for custom-made clothes. But today, many women's fashion brands use standard sizing that distills the fit to just a single number. But even that can be misleading, as the size standards vary by brand (and even by year).

Learn this English expression: To be 'in touch' is to stay in contact with someone

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/709

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

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 manage

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/708

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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.

Then, in the second half of each episode, listen up for a discussion on common English expressions and phrasal verbs. Try to use them in your daily life!

Plain English is more than a podcast: Do you like listening to Plain English? If so, you'll love being a member at PlainEnglish.com. Joining is easy and one membership level is free.

Join today and unlock great member benefits that will help you improve your listening, boost your confidence in conversation, learn new words, and improve your English skills.

https://plainenglish.com/join

Take a quiz, do interactive exercises, join a live conversation call, watch a step-by-step video lesson, get feedback on your writing, and more. 👉 Pick a plan and join today.

--

Did you like this episode? Take a screenshot and upload it to your Instagram stories. Then, tag us @plainenglishpod. We'll say hi back!

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Hard words? No problem

Never be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Preview the changes improvements coming to Plain English this fall:

1. The English expressions you learn may or may not appear in the main story. This will let us focus on those expressions that are most useful to you, whether or not you heard them in the first half of the lesson.
2. Each month will have a theme with three or four episodes. (The remaining four to six episodes will be about current events and trending topics.) This will let us intentionally create stories about a wide variety of topics, so everyone has something fun to listen to.

This month's theme is fashion. The first episode about fashion will be on Thursday, when we'll talk about why it's so hard to find an outfit that fits you well.