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English Learning for Curious Minds is a podcast for intermediate-advanced English learners.
Learn weird and wonderful things about the world at the same time as improving your English.
Every episode comes with an interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary and is spoken at a speed you can understand.
Join listeners from 189 countries and discover a more interesting way of improving your English.
Find the bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles, key vocabulary, and more at www.leonardoenglish.com
In this episode, we'll explore the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Discover how he turned a fragmented resistance into a national movement, established a secular republic from imperial ruins, and why he’s still called "The Father of the Turks." Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's famous 36-hour speech, Nutuk Decline and Fall of the Ottoman Empire Reasons for the Ottoman Empire's decline The Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I Mustafa Kemal's rise as a military leader Turkish ...
In this episode of Thinking in English, host Tom Wilkinson explores the past perfect continuous tense, using the 2008 financial crisis as a case study. The episode covers the grammar rules and structures of the past perfect continuous tense, emphasising its usage to describe actions that started in the past, continued for some time, and were ongoing or just finished before another event. The lesson includes in-depth examples and concludes with a discussion on Michael Burry, who had been predicti...
In this episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Percy Fawcett, a daring British explorer who vanished in the Amazon rainforest while searching for the mythical city he called "Z." Often compared to a real-life Indiana Jones, Fawcett's life was filled with adventure, mystery, and a relentless quest to prove the Amazon held secrets beyond our imagination. Percy Fawcett: Real-life Indiana Jones Fawcett's early life and aristocratic background His fascination with exploration and adventure Hi...
A woman has a loving husband and children, and she's great at her job. So why is she sad? One day, she opens the freezer door and sees the way into another world. If she goes, she will lose her husband and children. But could she be happy there? Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Door for the full transcript. Level: Beginner. Genre: Philosophical. Vocabulary: Freeze, Freezer, Cheek, Pick at, Kid, Nightmare, Gooseberry, Cliff, Sober, Weigh something up, Parallel universe. Setting: Modern. Word Count:...
In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of mercenaries, taking you from the era of Italian condottieri to the modern day with groups like Blackwater and Wagner. You'll learn how these soldiers for hire have evolved, the reasons nations use or avoid them, and their impact on 21st-century warfare. What are mercenaries? Definition and historical context. Origins and role of freelance knights in Medieval Europe. Renaissance Italy: The rise of the condottieri. Impact and decline of the...
Leap years help keep our calendars in sync with Earth's orbit, but have you ever wondered why we need them? In this episode, we explore the history of leap years, covering early human calendars, Julius Caesar's reforms, and the adjustments introduced by Pope Gregory XIII. Why do we need leap years? Earth's orbit and the solar year explained How the first calendars were created Egyptian and Roman calendar systems The Julian calendar's introduction of leap years Inaccuracies in Caesar's calendar c...
In this episode, we will explore Vladimir Putin's unlikely journey from a rat-catching streetfighter to the modern-day tsar of Russia. We'll look at his rise to power, some of the accusations about what it took to get there, the key decisions that have defined his 25-year rule, and question how history will remember his legacy. Vladimir Putin's early life and rise to power Siege of Leningrad during World War Two Putin's upbringing in poverty and street life Putin's early interest in the KGB Puti...
In this episode, we'll learn about the notorious Stanford Prison Experiment, known for revealing human behaviour's dark side in simulated prison conditions. We'll discuss its purpose, dramatic events, the ethical concerns it raised, and question what it truly tells us about human nature. Purpose of the Stanford Prison Experiment Recruitment and setup of the experiment Guards' roles and behaviour Prisoners' arrest and treatment Escalating conflict and rebellion Psychological impact on participant...
This episode explores the concept of space mining, focusing on the potential of asteroids as sources of valuable minerals and the possibility of it becoming a reality. It discusses the challenges, technical hurdles, legal and ethical concerns, and the potential impact on Earth's economy and environment. It also touches on the future of asteroid mining and recent NASA missions.
In this episode, we'll enter the shadowy realm of secret societies. We'll uncover the mysterious history, influence, and rituals of three infamous groups: Skull and Bones, the Knights Templar, and the Freemasons. From elite university clubs to a medieval order with financial power, we'll learn what makes these societies so compelling. The concept of secret societies Description of Skull and Bones at Yale University Famous members of Skull and Bones Initiation rituals of Skull and Bones History a...
In this episode, we will explore the evolving role of the Vice President of the United States. We will examine the unique pathway this role offers to the presidency and discuss why the current Vice President may be one of the most influential in history. Role of the Vice President in U.S. politics Historical pathway from Vice President to President Kamala Harris's attempt to go from Vice President to President Evolution of the Vice Presidency over time Impacts of the 12th and 25th Amendments Vic...
In part one of our mini-series on nuclear energy, we'll explore the origins of nuclear power as it emerged alongside nuclear weapons. Learn how President Eisenhower envisioned "Atoms for Peace" and how political events like the 1973 oil crisis propelled nuclear energy into the spotlight. Development of nuclear power and weapons together Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech How nuclear energy is created Global cooperation in nuclear technology 1973 oil crisis and nuclear energy rise France's Mes...
From ancient diving bells to the groundbreaking descent of the Mariana Trench, in this episode, we'll uncover tales of bravery, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge beneath the waves. Ancient history of exploring the ocean's depths Aristotle's theoretical diving concept in the 4th Century BC Early diving bell inventions and Alexander the Great myth Magellan's attempt to measure ocean depth in 1521 The invention of the first submarine by Cornelis Drebbel David Bushnell's "Turtle" and its mili...
The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, but there is a growing crisis happening at British universities In this episode, we'll explain what this crisis is, why British universities are in this unusual position, and learn about the key challenges facing the British university sector. UK university funding crisis explained Role of tuition fees in university income Impact of Brexit on EU student numbers Importance of international students in university finances Risks of relyi...
In August 1997, a tragic car crash in Paris claimed the life of Princess Diana, a beloved figure known for her compassion and humanitarian work. In this episode, we'll explore the events leading up to the accident, the role of the paparazzi, and the lasting impact on the world. Death of Princess Diana Car crash in Paris Chase by paparazzi Immediate aftermath and public grief Diana's early life and marriages Diana's humanitarian work British Royal Family's reaction Diana's funeral and public resp...
In part one of a three-part mini-series, we'll explore the fascinating history of crime and punishment in Britain, from medieval justice to the infamous Bloody Code. In this episode, you'll learn how the harsh consequences for even minor crimes evolved over the centuries, leading to the modern justice system. Jean Valjean's punishment in Les Miserables vs. Britain. The Bloody Code and its severe punishments. Justice system in early medieval Britain. William the Conqueror's legal reforms in 1066....
What happens when your country refuses to grant you citizenship? This is the reality for the Bidoon, a group of nomadic people in Kuwait who claim to be Kuwaiti but remain stateless and are forced to live on the margins of society. Who are the Bidoon of Kuwait? Why the Bidoon are stateless Kuwait's history and its impact on Bidoon The Bidoon’s nomadic lifestyle Kuwaiti citizenship laws The plight of the Bidoon today Challenges faced by Bidoon families Kuwait’s reasons for marginalising the Bidoo...
Discover the incredible story of The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Robbery, where cunning criminals stole $18 million worth of maple syrup. In this episode, we'll learn about the surprising details of this sticky crime and the unusual fight between the free market and government regulation in the world of Canadian maple syrup. Maple syrup: liquid gold from maple trees Quebec's maple syrup market dominance FPAQ's role in regulating syrup production Quotas and the strategic maple syrup reserve The em...
George Best is seen as one of the most naturally talented footballers ever, but off the pitch, he battled demons. From his glittering career at Manchester United to his struggles with alcoholism, in this episode, we'll learn about the wild life of one of football's greats. Life and career of George Best Comparison with modern footballers George Best's early career His rise to fame in the 1960s Best's off-pitch controversies and lifestyle Struggles with alcoholism Decline in football career and f...
In this milestone episode, we will deviate from the usual style of weird and wonderful stories. Instead, I'll take you behind the scenes of the podcast, share some never-before-revealed information, and tell you about an update to our programming schedule. Introduction & Milestone Celebration Starting the Podcast Journey Behind the Scenes: Research & Production Listener Demographics & Podcast Growth Expanding Beyond the Podcast Changes to the Production Schedule Reasons for the New S...
Some call it a miracle drug, others warn of its potentially damaging long-term effects on people and society. In this episode, we'll look at the history of this drug, how it works, why it's popular, and what it reveals about American food and healthcare systems. Introduction to Ozempic American obesity and food issues How Ozempic works History and approval of Ozempic Ozempic’s impact on weight loss Popularity among celebrities Criticisms and side effects FDA approval concerns Long-term dependenc...
The UK has a new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Labour is back in power. We discuss what this means for Britain, including Starmer's background, his proposed policies, and the challenges that lie ahead. Results of the UK general election New Prime Minister: Keir Starmer Labour Party’s winning manifesto Background on Keir Starmer Proposed policies of the Labour Party Challenges facing the new government Housing crisis and proposed solutions Explanation of NIMBY Public spending and potential ta...
The Haitian Revolution is a story of extreme violence, hope, and human rights. Learn how slaves in Saint-Domingue fought against brutal conditions and multiple European powers to establish the first free black-led nation in the world. Overview of the Haitian Revolution Toussaint L’Ouverture’s early life and significance Colonisation of Saint-Domingue by the French Brutal conditions for slaves in Saint-Domingue Different social groups in Saint-Domingue Impact of the French Revolution Initial upri...
In this episode, we'll travel back to the 1990s and uncover the story of "Cool Britannia," a time when Britain experienced a cultural renaissance. From Oasis to Tony Blair, The Spice Girls to Damien Hirst, we'll learn how politics, music, fashion, and art intertwined to create one of the most vibrant eras in recent British history. Cool Britannia: A 1990s British cultural renaissance Vanity Fair's iconic 1997 cover: Liam Gallagher, Patsy Kensit Tony Blair's "New Labour" and political change in 1...
JK Rowling, famous for Harry Potter, is now at the centre of a controversial debate on transgender rights. We'll explore her views, why they've sparked so much outrage and support, and the impact on free speech laws in the UK. JK Rowling and her views on transgenderism Tweet supporting Maya Forstater’s views on sex and gender Public reaction: support and death threats Her article explaining her five reasons for speaking out Impact on education and safeguarding Freedom of speech concerns Personal...
John Stonehouse, a promising British politician, disappeared off the Miami coast. Had he drowned in a swimming accident? Had he been eaten by sharks? To everyone's surprise, he turned up in Australia a few weeks later with a new identity... John Stonehouse: Charismatic British politician Disappeared from a Miami beach in 1974 Mysterious reappearance in Australia Stonehouse's financial and personal troubles Speculation about Stonehouse being a Czech spy John Stonehouse's affair with his secretary...
What's the difference between the North and the South of England? And when does the "North" end and the "South" start? In this episode, we'll explore these questions, and touch on differences in accents, lifestyles, and even what people call their evening meal. The origins of the north-south divide in England The fuzzy line dividing north and south Common stereotypes of northerners and southerners The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the north The decline of northern industries in the 20th...
Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist, pulled off one of history's greatest acts of corporate espionage: stealing the secrets of tea production from China. In this episode we'll explore his daring adventure, the fascinating world of 19th-century tea trade, and how his actions forever changed the global tea industry. Robert Fortune's theft of tea from China Importance of tea to Britain Opium trade with China Impact of Opium Wars Restrictions on foreign travel in China Fortune's disguise and explora...
Ayn Rand is one of the most controversial thinkers of the 20th century. In this episode, we'll explore her philosophy of Objectivism, which champions rational self-interest and free-market capitalism, and discuss why her ideas remain divisive today. Ayn Rand's life and background Philosophy of Objectivism "The Fountainhead" and its themes Success and controversy of "Atlas Shrugged" Core beliefs of Objectivism Role of government in Objectivism Rational self-interest explained Controversies and cr...
Meet Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor who combined power with philosophy. In this episode, we'll learn about his famous work, "Meditations", and explore five key ideas that still resonate today. Introduction to Marcus Aurelius Importance of his book "Meditations" Control what you can, ignore what you can't Live according to nature and rationality Continuous self-reflection and self-examination Embrace and welcome fate Awareness of impermanence and mortality Authenticity and practical advice Au...
