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Thinking in English

Thomas Wilkinsonthinkinginenglish.blog
Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary. I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture. Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time. Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866 Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠ Visit the website: ⁠https://thinkinginenglish.blog/⁠ Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.
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Episodes

138. The Strange History of Pitcairn Island!: Where is the Most Isolated Place in the World?  (English Vocabulary Lesson)

You probably haven’t heard of Pitcairn Island - but it has one of the most interesting histories in the Pacific Ocean. Not only is Pitcairn one of the remotest and most isolated places in the world, the people who live there have a unique and amazing story. Let’s talk about the strange history of Pitcairn in today's episode on Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/21/138-the-strange-history-of-pitcairn-island/ You may also like... “Moron,” “Ignoramus,” and “Dot...

Feb 21, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 138

Traditional British English Phrases Heading to the “Knacker's Yard”  (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On today's episode of Thinking in English, I'm going to introduce some English sayings that are famous, but no longer commonly used! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/18/traditional-british-english-phrases-heading-to-the-knackers-yard/ You may also like... “Moron,” “Ignoramus,” and “Dotard”! Famous English Insults Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson) Vocabulary for a Lazy Day!: ‘Couch Potato,’ ‘Lackadaisical,’ ‘Workshy’ and more! (English Vocabulary Lesson) How to Describe Il...

Feb 18, 202214 min

“Moron,” “Ignoramus,” and “Dotard”! Famous English Insults Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On today's episode of Thinking in English, I'm going to explain some of the most famous insults in political history! From "dotard" to "malignant cancerous tumour," let's learn how countries and politicians like to describe each other!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/16/famous-english-insults-explained/ You may also like... Vocabulary for a Lazy Day!: ‘Couch Potato,’ ‘Lackadaisical,’ ‘Workshy’ and more! (English Vocabulary Lesson) How to Describe Illness in English!!! (Engli...

Feb 16, 202216 min

136. What Happened to Patrick Zaki? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

What happened to Patrick Zaki? The Egyptian student, researcher, and human rights activist was arrested in Cairo 2 years ago - but why? What did he do? And what will happen in the future? Let's talk about it on today's episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/14/136-what-happened-to-patrick-zaki/ You may also like... 135. The End of Winter Sport?: Climate Change and the Future of the Winter Olympics! (English Vocabulary Lesson) 134. Is Obesity a Diseas...

Feb 14, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 134

135. The End of Winter Sport?: Climate Change and the Future of the Winter Olympics! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

The Beijing winter Olympics are currently in full swing, but there is no snow falling from the sky. Over the next few decades, climate change and global warming will cause major problems for the future of winter sports. Is it the end of the winter Olympics? Let’s discuss it on today’s episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/11/135-the-end-of-winter-sport/ You may also like... 134. Is Obesity a Disease? (English Vocabulary Lesson) 133. Why Is Indonesia...

Feb 11, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 135

Vocabulary for a Lazy Day!: ‘Couch Potato,’ ‘Lackadaisical,’ ‘Workshy’ and more! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Are you a 'couch potato,' 'indolent,' or 'lackadaisical?' On today's episode of Thinking in English, let's learn some excellent vocabulary to describe laziness in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/09/vocabulary-for-a-lazy-day/ You may also like... How to Describe Illness in English!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson) The BEST Vocabulary for Job Interviews, Resumes, and University Applications! A Guide to Insulting Boris Johnson (Using His Own Words) English Words You’re Us...

Feb 09, 202215 min

134. Is Obesity a Disease? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Obesity is a major problem in countries all around the world. With billions of people living unhealthy lives, the consequences are very significant. Is obesity a disease? Or is it something else? Let's discuss it on today's episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/07/134-is-obesity-a-disease/ You may also like... 133. Why Is Indonesia Changing Capital City? (English Vocabulary Lesson) 132. Pros and Cons of Mandatory National Service! (English Vocabular...

Feb 07, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 131

133. Why Is Indonesia Changing Capital City? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Indonesia will soon move its capital city to a new location! Why has Indonesia had to make this decision? And why did they choose this location? Is Indonesia the first country to change capitals? Let's answer these questions on today's episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/04/133-why-is-indonesia-changing-capital-city/ You may also like... 132. Pros and Cons of Mandatory National Service! (English Vocabulary Lesson) 131. Tonga’s Volcanic Eruption E...

Feb 04, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 133

7 Things to NEVER Include in Your ENGLISH Resume!!

Today, let's talk about 7 types of words, phrases, and vocabulary you should AVOID including in your English resumes, applications, and job interviews! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/02/02/ 7-things-to-never-include-in-your-english-resume / You may also like... The BEST Vocabulary for Job Interviews, Resumes, and University Applications! ESSENTIAL Action Verbs for Perfect ENGLISH Resumes, Job Interviews, and University Applications!! English Words You’re Using Wrong (English V...

Feb 02, 202222 min

132. Pros and Cons of Mandatory National Service! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Some countries require their citizens to join the military or perform some other kind of service. Should countries have mandatory national service? What are the pros and cons? Let’s discuss it on today’s episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/31/132-pros-and-cons-of-mandatory-national-service/ You may also like... 131. Tonga’s Volcanic Eruption Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson) 130. The Mystery Illness Affecting Western Diplomats!: What is Hava...

Jan 31, 202222 minSeason 1Ep. 132

How to Describe Illness in English!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On today’s episode of Thinking in English, let’s learn some new ways to talk about and describe being ill and sick in English! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/28/how-to-describe-illness-in-english/ You may also like... How to Describe Pain in English!! Essential Vocabulary and Phrases (English Vocabulary Lesson) ESSENTIAL Action Verbs for Perfect ENGLISH Resumes, Job Interviews, and University Applications!! English Words You’re Using Wrong (English Vocabulary Lesson) More A...

Jan 28, 202216 min

ESSENTIAL Action Verbs for Perfect ENGLISH Resumes, Job Interviews, and University Applications!!

How do you make yourself stand out in a job application, interview, or university personal statement? One great method is to use powerful ACTION verbs!! Let's discover the benefits of action verbs in today's episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/26/essential-action-verbs-for-perfect-english-resumes-job-interviews-and-university-applications/ You may also like... The BEST Vocabulary for Job Interviews, Resumes, and University Applications! 129. Do Lan...

Jan 26, 202220 min

131. Tonga’s Volcanic Eruption Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On January 15th, a massive volcanic eruption in Tonga sprayed lava, dust, and ash around the region and sent tsunami waves across the ocean. What is the situation in Tonga now? Why was the eruption so powerful? What will happen next? Let's discuss it on today's episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/24/ tongas-volcanic-eruption-explained / You may also like... 130. The Mystery Illness Affecting Western Diplomats!: What is Havana Syndrome? 129. Do Lan...

Jan 24, 202214 minSeason 1Ep. 131

The BEST Vocabulary for Job Interviews, Resumes, and University Applications!

How do you make yourself stand out in English job applications? How can you write the perfect English university application? How can you best describe yourself in English? Let's learn some of the most useful vocabulary for job interviews, resumes, and university applications in today's episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/19/ vocabulary-for-job-interviews-resumes-and-university-applications / You may also like... A Guide to Insulting Boris Johnson...

Jan 19, 202222 min

130. The Mystery Illness Affecting Western Diplomats!: What is Havana Syndrome?

American diplomats and government officials around the world have been falling ill with a mysterious illness known as Havana syndrome . What are the symptoms? What is it caused by? Let's talk about it on today's episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/17/what-is-havana-syndrome/ You may also like... A Guide to Insulting Boris Johnson (Using His Own Words) 129. Do Language Learning Apps Work?: Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, and more! 128. Should Novak Djok...

Jan 17, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 130

A Guide to Insulting Boris Johnson (Using His Own Strange Vocabulary)!

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has found himself in the middle of another poltical scandal. A quick glance at twitter, newspapers, or even speeches in parliament will reveal countless insults aimed at Boris: a liar, disrespectful, an idiot. These insults are a little boring and repetitive. So I thought I'd make a guide for insulting Boris using some of his own unique vocabulary! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/14/a-guide-to-insulting-boris-johnson/ You may also like......

Jan 14, 202217 min

129. Do Language Learning Apps Work?: Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, and more!

On this episode of Thinking in English, let’s discuss language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise! There are so many, they are so convenient, and so accessible: but will they actually help improve your English? And if you keep listening to the end, I’ll leave you with a few personal recommendations! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/12/ 129-do-language-learning-apps-work / English Words You’re Using Wrong (English Vocabulary Lesson) 106. TOEFL vs IELTS!: Which On...

Jan 12, 202222 minSeason 1Ep. 128

128. Should Novak Djokovic be Allowed to Stay in Australia? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Currently stuck in an immigration detention hotel in Australia, and facing deportation, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is at the centre of an immigration battle. So, should he be allowed to stay in Australia? Let’s talk about it on this episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/10/ 128-should-novak-djokovic-be-allowed-to-stay-in-australia / You may also like... 127. What is Happening in Kazakhstan?: Massive Protests Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson...

Jan 10, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 128

127. What is Happening in Kazakhstan?: Massive Protests Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Massive protests, the resignation of the government, widespread violence, and Russian-led security forces. What is happening in Kazakhstan? Let’s talk about it on today’s episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/07/127-what-is-happening-in-kazakhstan-massive-protests-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson%ef%bf%bc/ You may also like... 126. The Most Unstable Country in the World?: What is Happening in Sudan? (English Vocabulary Lesson) 125. New Zealand’s...

Jan 07, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 127

126. The Most Unstable Country in the World?: What is Happening in Sudan? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

What is the most unstable country in the world? How about a country with nearly 20 coups since becoming independent? A country with countless wars, massive corruption, and daily protests? A country with a Prime Minister who was appointed, arrested, reinstated, and then resigned in the space of a few months? Let’s talk about this country on today’s episode of Thinking in English!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/05/126-the-most-unstable-country-in-the-world-what-is-happening-i...

Jan 05, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 126

125. New Zealand’s Smoking Ban Explained!!: Should We Ban Cigarettes?

New Zealand recently announced a complete ban on cigarette sales for future generations. People born after 2008 will never be able to buy tobacco products in the country. Is this a good idea? Should other countries ban cigarettes? Or are there problems with such an approach? Let’s discuss this and more on today’s episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/01/03/124-new-zealands-smoking-ban-explained-should-we-ban-cigarettes%ef%bf%bc/ You may also like... 124...

Jan 03, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 125

124. Who was Desmond Tutu?: The Life of an Extraordinary Man Explained!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On Sunday the 26th of December, Nobel Peace Prize laureate , South African anti-apartheid activist, and one of the world’s most loved religious leaders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, sadly passed away at the age of 90. Today, I want to explain to you all a little bit about his life, what he did, and why he became one of the most respected, revered, and well known international figures. TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/29/124-who-was-desmond-tutu-the-life-of-an-extraordinary-man-exp...

Dec 29, 202118 minSeason 1Ep. 124

Christmas Tongue Twisters!

Merry Christmas!! Let's practice our English pronunciation with some Christmas inspired tongue twisters!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/24/christmas-tongue-twisters/ You may also like... Most Difficult English Pronunciation Poem!!: The Chaos (English Pronunciation Lesson) Terrifyingly Troubling Tongue Twisters!: A Pronunciation Challenge Tongue Twister Challenge!: English Pronunciation Practice 112. English Accents Explained!: Why do Language Learners Have Accents and Shoul...

Dec 24, 20215 min

Answering Your Questions!! The Future of the Podcast, How to Use the Word 'Bloke,' and Where do I Live!

On today’s episode of Thinking in English, I’m going to answer some of your questions!! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/22/answering-your-questions-the-future-of-the-podcast-how-to-use-the-word-bloke-and-where-do-i-live/ You may also like... 122. Ten Years of Kim Jong Un!: North Korea’s Last Decade Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson) 121. How to Start Your Own Country!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson) 120. Bye Bye Queen!: Why Did Barbados Become a Republic? (English Vocabular...

Dec 22, 202118 min

123. Should We Boycott China’s Winter Olympics? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On this episode of Thinking in English, let's discuss why the boycott has been declared, and if sporting boycotts are ever successful! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/20/123-should-we-boycott-chinas-winter-olympics-english-vocabulary-lesson%ef%bf%bc/ You may also like... 122. Ten Years of Kim Jong Un!: North Korea’s Last Decade Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson) 121. How to Start Your Own Country!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson) 120. Bye Bye Queen!: Why Did Barbados Become a...

Dec 20, 202123 minSeason 1Ep. 121

English Words You’re Using Wrong!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On today's episode of Thinking in English, let's learn some of the English words you are probably using incorrectly! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/17/english-words-youre-using-wrong-english-vocabulary-lesson%ef%bf%bc/ You may also like... “A lot on Your Plate,” “Swamped,” “Up to Your Neck in it”?: BUSY Vocabulary! (English Vocabulary) Most Difficult English Pronunciation Poem!!: The Chaos (English Pronunciation Lesson) 2021 Word of the Year!! ‘NFTs,’ ‘Cheugy,’ and ‘Regencyc...

Dec 17, 202121 min

122. Ten Years of Kim Jong Un!: North Korea’s Last Decade Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson)

10 years ago, Kim Jong Un became leader of North Korea after the death of his father. In the following decade, the secretive country and its leader have rarely been out of the news. Let’s discuss what happened during North Korea’s past decade in this episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/15/122-ten-years-of-kim-jong-un-north-koreas-last-decade-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ You may also like... 121. How to Start Your Own Country!!! (English Voc...

Dec 15, 202114 minSeason 1Ep. 122

121. How to Start Your Own Country!!! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Have you ever thought about starting your own country? Maybe you don’t like the government or laws in the country of your birth? Perhaps you want your people to make their own rules? Or maybe you just think it would be cool to be President of your own nation? Well, today I’ll give you a quick introduction on how to found a new country!! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/13/121-how-to-start-your-own-country-english-vocabulary-lesson/ You may also like... 120. Bye Bye Queen!: Why...

Dec 13, 202124 minSeason 1Ep. 121

"A lot on Your Plate," "Swamped," "Up to Your Neck in it"?: BUSY Vocabulary! (English Vocabulary)

Today, let's learn some excellent alternatives to the adjective "busy!" TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/10/a-lot-on-your-plate-swamped-up-to-your-neck-in-it-busy-vocabulary-english-vocabulary/ You may also like... Most Difficult English Pronunciation Poem!!: The Chaos (English Pronunciation Lesson) 2021 Word of the Year!! ‘NFTs,’ ‘Cheugy,’ and ‘Regencycore’ (English Vocabulary Lesson) More Advanced Vocabulary to Describe the Weather – Part 2: Stop Saying Rainy, Windy, and Sn...

Dec 10, 202112 min

Most Difficult English Pronunciation Poem!!: The Chaos (English Pronunciation Lesson)

Today, let's read a poem. Not just any poem - the most difficult to pronounce English poem ever! POEM ------ https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/12/06/most-difficult-english-pronunciation-poem-the-chaos-english-pronunciation-lesson/ The Chaps by Gerard Nolst Trenité. You may also like... Terrifyingly Troubling Tongue Twisters!: A Pronunciation Challenge Tongue Twister Challenge!: English Pronunciation Practice 112. English Accents Explained!: Why do Language Learners Have Accents and Should We C...

Dec 06, 202112 min
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