logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
16m 15s

Updates: Daniel Kahneman, new euro, Rust...

Plain English
About this episode

Today's story: In this episode, you'll hear updates from several recent Plain English stories. Daniel Kahneman, who wrote the book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" died at age 90. What wasn't reported at the time: he went to Switzerland to end his own life. Plus, the movie "Rust" is coming out after the fatal gun accident on set. Standardized tests are making a comeback.

Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/769

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/769

--

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.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

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

Mentioned in this episode:

The Expressions are back!

Subscribe to our new podcast, "Essential English Expressions." Each episode shows you step-by-step how to use a common English expression, with plenty of examples. Season 1 is available now. Download or stream all 14 episodes at [link].

Up next
Oct 6
More schools are banning cell phones
Today's story: A growing number of state and national education systems are banning cell phone use during the school day. Supporters say phones are distracting, addictive, and bad for learning. Not everyone agrees, but teachers—and even some students—say the changes are making a ... Show More
13m 43s
Oct 2
Newest status symbol? Your water bottle
Today's story: Reusable water bottles have become a big global industry, driven by health trends, social media, and changing values around sustainability and style. Brands like Stanley turned practical hydration into a fashionable status symbol—but are they environmentally friend ... Show More
13m 35s
Sep 29
Alcaraz & Sinner: the new rivalry in men’s tennis
Today's story: For two decades, the Big Three—Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic—defined men’s tennis. With Federer and Nadal retired and Djokovic aging out of contention, a new rivalry has taken center stage. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have claimed every major title in the past ... Show More
15m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
#429 - How to Get Fluent in English in 2025 — Even If You’re BUSY
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Feeling stuck in your English learning journey?⏳ Do years pass by, yet your English stays the same? In this episode, Izzy and Ethan bring you three science-backed lessons from the book Atomic Habits to help you fin ... Show More
39m 46s
Apr 2025
#438 - 5 Ways to Improve Your English Speaking Alone by Reading Books — The Strategies Used by the Best Learners, Essential Lessons for Life, and Why You Should Focus on Discoveries Rather Than Outcomes
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this episode, Ethan gets real about a common challenge many English learners face — feeling intimidated by reading in English. He shares five personal, practical strategies that can help you improve your speakin ... Show More
17m 50s
Oct 4
English Listening Practice: 1-Hour Real Story | Improve Your English – Speak Fluently (A1A2) Podcast
In this powerful 1-hour episode, you’ll hear a real, meaningful story told in slow, clear, and simple English. It’s perfect for A1–A2 level learners who want to improve their listening skills, build vocabulary, and speak English more fluently and confidently. ✅ What you’ll get in ... Show More
41m 39s
Oct 2
[Bonus] Stoicism, Existentialism, and More: Philosophy for English Learners!
✨ 30 for 30 Challenge - Starts 13th October - https://bit.ly/30FOR30ChallengeRegistration closes at 23:59 on Sunday, 12th October.--Today it's a bonus episode from Thinking in English, with Tom Wilkinson.You can find out more about Thinking in English at https://linktr.ee/thinkin ... Show More
20m 37s
Mar 2025
#431 - How I Started to Understand Movies in English WITHOUT Subtitles — My 5 Secrets
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. Struggling to understand fast English in movies and TV shows? In this episode, Izzy shares how he trained his ears to understand fast English without subtitles. He’ll break down connected speech, look at real examp ... Show More
21m 52s
Jan 2025
Best language learning tips for 2025 Feat.‪ AskJackie‬
I'm so thankful for Jackie who took time to sit down with me and share her best tips for language learning in 2025. We talk about AI, traditional learning methods and more. I'm sure you will love this video and podcast. Follow Jackie here / @askjackie You can also find her course ... Show More
25m 37s
Sep 7
Bonus episode #156 – Bad things come in threes
Do bad things really come in threes? In this episode, Andrew tells you four mini stories from his week that will make you wonder about this old superstition. From unexpected moments during his evening run to tech troubles that tested his patience, you'll hear authentic English st ... Show More
29m 47s
Feb 2025
Simplified Speech #214 – Catching rays and climbing days
In this episode of Simplified Speech, Andrew and Kassy share stories about their latest travels. Kassy talks about her trip to Thailand with her four-month-old son. She explains what it was like to ride a speedboat and go through airport security with a baby. Andrew describes his ... Show More
27m 22s
Oct 2
40 Minutes English Listening Practice for Beginners | Slow Storytelling with Shadowing (A1–A2 Level)
Improve your English with this 1-hour slow and meaningful story. This special episode is designed for A1–A2 English learners who want to improve listening, shadowing, and vocabulary naturally — without boring textbooks.🧠 What you’ll learn:Real English sentences used in contextDa ... Show More
41m 37s
Sep 3
Beginner English - Read with me: The Line - Reading in Slow English (A1-A2)
Read with me! :) Practice your listening and pronunciation skills with this English Reading Podcast about THE LINE. I discuss and describe useful English phrases and keywords used in this English Short Story. We also do a comprehension quiz at the end. Buy a copy of my ⁠⁠⁠Beginne ... Show More
13m 8s