Thinking in English - podcast cover

Thinking in English

Thomas Wilkinsonthinkinginenglish.blog
Thinking in English is a podcast designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. I believe that thinking is an incredibly important step on the road fluency, and this podcast is going to help you achieve this by discussing topics ranging from politics and economics, to philosophy and science. Rather than "learning English", Thinking in English focuses on "learning in English." Learn something new, listen to something interesting, and improve your English at the same time! Conversation Clubs, bonus episodes, and more on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish My 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.

Episodes

309. What are Sugar Taxes? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

A recent report has revealed that the UK sugar tax introduced in 2018 has been very effective at reducing the amount of sugar consumed by both adults and children in the country. Today, I’d like to take a deeper look at sugar taxes. What are they? How do they work? Where are they used? Are sugar taxes good? Or bad? Or should they be even more extensive? Let’s discuss this today! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/08/12/309-what-are-sugar-taxes-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠...

Aug 11, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 309

308. Who Should Be Allowed to Vote? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Should voting be compulsory? Is voting a right or a privilege? Should there be a maximum voting age? Who should be allowed to vote? Let’s discuss some of these major questions and debates in today’s episode of Thinking in English! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/08/05/308-who-should-be-allowed-to-vote-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.link/placement-l...

Aug 05, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 308

307. What is a Whistleblower? Are Whistleblowers Heroes or Villains? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks and leaker of government secrets, has been in the news again recently as he tries to stop his extradition to the USA. Reading about Assange made think in general about whistleblowers. What is a whistleblower? Is Julian Assange actually a whistleblower, or is he something different? And are people who reveal secret information heroes or villains? Let’s discuss this, and learns some very useful legal vocabulary, in today’s episode of Thinking in English! Transc...

Jul 29, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 307

306. Pennies, Cents, and Small Change: A Waste of Money? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

What is the smallest and least valuable coin used in your country? Could you imagine your currency without that coin? Should we remove these small value coins from our money? Let’s discuss this topic, while learning lots of economic vocabulary, in today’s episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/07/22/306-pennies-cents-and-small-change-a-waste-of-money-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jul 22, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 306

305. How did Breaking Become an Olympic Sport? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

The 2024 Paris Olympic games will start on July 26th, and for the first time breaking will be included as an official sport.Breaking, a form of competitive street dance, may not be exactly what you imagine when you think of the Olympics. So, today, I want to take a look at how breaking evolved alongside Hip-hop music on the streets of New York city, and then discuss how it ended up being selected as an Olympic discipline.At the same time, we’ll learn some useful breaking related vocabulary!Trans...

Jul 15, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 305

304. Why is Macedonia Such a Controversial Name? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Simple English News Daily - https://www.send7.org/Listen to SEND7 Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QctJjCUuHefLzeZWDoXqc?si=e596ba15f03f4d9aMacedonia is one of the most controversial names in Europe, perhaps even in the world. The country now known as North Macedonia and Greece, home to the region called Macedonia, have had a bitter dispute over the name since the early 1990s.Today, I want to look at they Macedonia is so controversial. We’ll discuss the Ancient Greek Kingdom o...

Jul 08, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 304

303. The Truth Behind Learning Styles! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Try LINGODA TODAY! - https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingEnglish25 Up to 25% off Lingoda Flex, Teams, and Sprints with this link - https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingEnglish25 Today, I want to talk about the truth behind learning styles. We’ll discuss why learning style theories, including the idea that you are a visual or kinaesthetic learner, or not evidence or science based. We’ll talk about the problems and flaws in learning style theories, and I’ll end with some recommendations for all of you list...

Jul 01, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 303

302. Who Will be the Next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conversation Club - ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Who will be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom? This episode will introduce the two leading candidates, their political parties, and the kind of policies they will likely use in their campaigns. Listen to learn about British politics and pick up some useful vocabulary! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/06/24/302-who-will-be-the-next-prime-minister-of-the-united-kingdom-english-vocabulary...

Jun 24, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 302

301. UK General Election Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On July 4th, 2024, the UK will hold a general election to elect a new government, parliament, and Prime Minister. In this episode, I want to provide a detailed and thorough explanation and introduction to how elections work in the United Kingdom! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/06/17/301-uk-general-election-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.l...

Jun 17, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 301

300. How to Think in English?? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ After 300 main episodes of Thinking in English, it is finally time to talk about the problem of the thinking in different languages, including English!We’ll discuss the definition of thinking, talk about whether you need language to think, consider whether thinking in English (or any language) is possible for people without a “voice in their head”, and end with a discussion on how you can start thinking in English and whethe...

Jun 10, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 300

299. What are the Chagos Islands? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Conversation Clubs - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You might not have heard about the Chagos Islands, but I think it is a story everyone should know. It is a story that involves colonialism, the construction of a secretive military base, and the entire population of the islands being forcibly removed from their homes and kicked out of their islands by the UK government. Hopefully you’ll learn something new today! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/06/03...

Jun 03, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 299

298. Wealth and Inequality: Should Inheritance Be Abolished? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Patreon Exclusive Vocabulary Resources - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What is inheritance? Should inheritance be taxed? And if so, at what level? Today I want to talk about wealth, inequality, and whether or not we should change our system of inheritance in the future! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/05/27/298-wealth-and-inequality-should-inheritance-be-abolished-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My ...

May 27, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 298

297. What Have I Learned From Living Abroad? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Listen to Bonus Episodes - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Today I am going to talk about my experiences moving abroad, how it has changed my life, and some of the most important lessons I have learned over the past 8 years. Hopefully you will all find something useful or relatable in this episode! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/05/13/296-what-have-i-learned-from-living-abroad-english-vocabulary-les...

May 20, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 297

296. What is Happening in Haiti? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Join the Conversation Club - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish Haiti is in the middle of another crisis. Gangs have taken over the capital city, another leader has resigned, and the future is uncertain. Today I’d like to take a look at the history of Haiti to see how the country has become one of the least stable and poorest in the world! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/05/13/296-what-is-happening-in-haiti-eng...

May 13, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 296

295. Why Does Botswana Want to Send 20,000 Elephants to Germany? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Check Out SIMPLE ENGLISH NEWS DAILY - https://www.send7.org/contact Listen to SEND7 on Spotify! - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QctJjCUuHefLzeZWDoXqc?si=cfe7e74bcfc342e7 Botswana’s president made worldwide news headlines in April after he threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. Why did he do this? What is the connection between elephants, hunting and conservation? Today’s episode of Thinking in English is going to touch on topics including hunting, endangered species, elephant conservat...

May 06, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 294

294. IELTS, TOEFL, and Other English Exams: Guide to English Proficiency Tests (English Vocabulary Lesson)

What is an English proficiency test? What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL? What English Proficiency test should you take if you want to study abroad? Do you really need to take a test? Today, let’s answer these questions as I give you an in-depth guide to English proficiency tests! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/29/294-ielts-toefl-and-other-english-exams-guide-to-english-proficiency-tests-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.co...

Apr 29, 202426 min

293. History of Coffee! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

What is coffee? Who was the first person to think of creating a drink from coffee beans? How did coffee spread from the forests of East Africa to almost every town on earth? And what is the future of the coffee industry? Let’s discuss these questions and more on today’s episode of Thinking in English! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/22/293-history-of-coffee-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOU...

Apr 22, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 293

292. What Does Bilingual Actually Mean? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Join Patreon! - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish What does it mean to be bilingual? What are the different types of bilingualism? Is it possible for anyone to become bilingual or multilingual? And how can you become bilingual in English and your native language? Hopefully this episode will answer a few of these questions and introduce the concept of bilingualism to all of you! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/15/292-what-does-bilingual-actually-mean-english-vocabulary...

Apr 15, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 292

291. What is the Happiest Country in the World? (And Why is it Always Finland?) (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the seventh time in a row. But why? What is happiness? And how is it measured? This episode of Thinking in English discusses the Cantril Ladder, why the World Happiness Report might not accurately test happiness, and why Finland keeps coming top of the rankings! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/08/291-what-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world-and-why-is-it-always-finland-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Apr 08, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 291

290. What is the Gig Economy? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Gig work, freelancers, independent contractors, and the gig economy. These are terms that are becoming increasingly relevant to the way we work in the 21st century. Today, I want to take a deeper look at the gig economy. We’ll define some key vocabulary, look at the history and development of the gig economy, discuss some criticisms and think about the future of work! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/01/290-what-is-the-gig-economy-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠P...

Apr 01, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 290

289. How is TikTok Changing the English Language?: TikToklish and Algospeak Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Download ELSA for free and get 7 days pro membership for free: https://bit.ly/ELSAxTHINKINGINENGLISH ⁠ ⁠Get up to 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership by going to elsaspeak.com/promocode and use my code THINK85⁠ TikTok is changing the way we speak and use English. It is contributing to the invention of new vocabulary. New ways of communicating and censoring words are seen across the platform. And a new accent or way of speaking is developing! Today, I want to take a deep look into TikTok and its ...

Mar 25, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 289

288. The End of Remote Work?: "Return to Office" Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Join the Conversation Club TODAY! - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠ ⁠PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠ During the pandemic, millions of employees began to do their job from home and work remotely. Four years later, remote work is still a feature of the workplace. But will this last? Is the end of remote work around the corner? Let’s discuss remote work and the “return to office” movement on today’s episode of Thinking in English! ⁠TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginengl...

Mar 18, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 288

287. The History of Tea! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Try Lingoda's Language SPRINT - https://try.lingoda.com/Thinking20 Use code - THINKING20 - for an exclusive discount! Tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world (behind water). How much do you know about the history of this delicious drink? Join me today for a discussion on the history of tea, from mysterious and mythical Chinese emperors to a Portuguese princess in London! At the same time, we’ll learn a lot of new and interesting words while testing your listening skills. Transcript ...

Mar 11, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 287

286. Who is Responsible for the Most Deaths in History?: The Story of Thomas Midgely Jr! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Join the Conversation Club TODAY! - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish Today I want to tell you the story of Thomas Midgely Jr. He was a scientist, engineer, and incredibly successful inventor. His creations revolutionised transportation and made refrigerators and air conditioners possible. Unfortunately, his inventions were also incredibly harmful. They caused millions of deaths and perhaps harmed the world more than any other human cre...

Mar 04, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 286

285. Are Electric Cars Environmentally Friendly? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Check Out Simple English News Daily - https://www.send7.org/ Listen to SEND7 on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QctJjCUuHefLzeZWDoXqc?si=5b708c937f0b4802 Are electric cars actually environmentally friendly? Are they a good option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprints? What is the most environmentally friendly form of transport? Are electric cars the future? Let’s discuss these questions on today’s episode of Thinking in English! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blo...

Feb 26, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 285

284. What is Language Anxiety? And How to Overcome Anxiety While Using English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/10/29/free-english-test-check-your-level-today/ Language anxiety is a problem that many English learners and non-native English speakers face every day! Today, I want to talk in depth about language anxiety. We’ll discuss the causes and consequences of anxiety while using a foreign language, and I’ll give you a few different tips and strategies on how to improve your confidence and reduce your anxiety while speaking in English! Transc...

Feb 19, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 284

283. Who Were the Anglo-Saxons? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Today, I want to introduce a piece of British history. We’ll look at the Anglo-Saxons and discuss the myths and reality behind this group of people. From the Roman Empire and Saxon tribes migrating from mainland Europe, to kingdoms, Viking raids, and a king shot in the eye with an arrow, this is the story of the Anglo-Saxons. Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/02/12/283-who-were-the-anglo-saxons-english-vocabul...

Feb 12, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 283

282. Should Vaping be Banned? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The United Kingdom has announced plans to ban certain types of e-cigarette and restrict the sale of other vaping products. Let's discuss some of the key terms surrounding "vapes", look at why the UK is banning these products, and examine the debate around vapes in more detail! My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/...

Feb 05, 202421 minSeason 1Ep. 282

281. What is a Blue Zone? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

Where is the healthiest place on earth? Where do people live the longest lives? And what is a blue zone? Let’s discuss these questions on today’s episode! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/01/29/281-what-is-a-blue-zone-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.link/placement-level-test/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking in English Bonus Podcast - https://www.patreon.c...

Jan 29, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 281

280. Should Donald Trump Be Allowed to Run For President Again? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

English Learning for Curious Minds - https://link.chtbl.com/MD7DXINT Donald Trump is the frontrunner to be the Republican candidate in this year’s US presidential election. But… should he be allowed to run for president? In a few weeks the US Supreme Court will answer this very question. Let’s talk about this situation in today’s episode! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/01/22/280-should-donald-trump-be-allowed-to-run-for-president-again-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Jan 22, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 280