Degrowth and Effective Accelerationism - two outlooks about the direction in which humanity needs to go to stay alive. But they couldn't be any more different. In this episode, we'll be exploring these two ideas and perhaps, come to some conclusions on how to save the world. Degrowth vs E/Acc: Exploring opposing visions for humanity's future Historical global economy trends: Growth, challenges, and environmental impact Degrowth concept: Reducing production, consumption for sustainability and equ...
Sep 07, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Courageous, resilient, and an incredible leader. Ernest Shackleton was an Antarctic explorer who never gave up in the face of adversity. In this episode, we'll be talking about the Endurance expedition, the challenges he and his crew faced, and their extraordinary feats of survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Introduction to Ernest Shackleton and his quest to cross Antarctica Background on the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration Competing expeditions to the North and South Pole...
Aug 31, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast An internet pioneer or a criminal mastermind? The answer depends on who you ask. In this episode, we explore the extraordinary story of Kim Dotcom, the man behind Megaupload.com, and the rise and fall of his empire. Internet pioneer or criminal? Childhood and early involvement with computers Hacking exploits and self-publicity Kim Dotcom's legal troubles and escape to Thailand Megaupload.com: The birth of a controversial website Megaupload's massive popularity and piracy concerns Kim Dotcom's mo...
Aug 24, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast For some people, hell is a place of eternal punishment. For others, it's merely a stepping stone on the way to redemption. In this episode, we'll be exploring the idea of hell, its different interpretations, and what happens in each one. Defining hell and its interpretations in different religions Ancient Egyptian beliefs: judgment in the afterlife, weighing of the heart Ancient Greek beliefs: the Underworld and Tartarus Jewish beliefs: Sheol and Gehinnom as places of the dead and purification C...
Aug 17, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast As time goes by, language continues to evolve. In this episode, we explore the question of evolving English, and the specific question of how we refer to people without a permanent and stable place to live, as this example highlights the politicisation of language. Language's purpose: communicate information between people Language changes over time, often for political reasons Referring to people without a permanent home Difference between "house" and "home" "Homeless" as the most commonly used...
Aug 10, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast He was King of Britain, but only for 325 days before dramatically quitting the job to be with the woman he loved. But was it the ultimate love story, or was it an act of treason and selfishness? Edward VIII: King of Britain for 325 days Love story or treason and selfishness? The message that shocked the British public Early life and rise to the throne Edward's reputation as a dandy and playboy Disapproval from the Prime Minister and King George V Edward meets Wallis Simpson Challenges with marry...
Aug 03, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast It was a fierce football rivalry fought not on the pitch but on social media and at the High Courts of Justice in London. In this episode, we'll delve into the fierce rivalry between football wives Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, the libel case that followed, and the rise of WAG culture in Britain. The cult of the “wag” Who were Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy? Coleen Rooney’s revelation The feud between Coleen Rooney & Rebekah Vardy Rebekah Vardy takes Coleen Rooney to court Trademarking W...
Jul 27, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast From cramped cubicles to collaborative open-plan setups, a lot has changed since the creation of the modern office – but it doesn't stop there. In this episode, we'll be exploring the question of why and how the modern office was created and look at some of the developments that led us to this place. The concept of the modern office and its prevalence worldwide The historical absence of dedicated indoor workspaces The emergence of the first large offices in the late 17th and early 18th centuries...
Jul 20, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast He is a figure who, 200 years after his death, is still held as an example of the glories of France. In this episode, we'll talk about the rise and fall of Napoleon, the establishment of the French empire, and Napoleon's complex legacy. Early life and Corsican heritage Rise to power during the French Revolutionary Wars Military successes and establishment of the French Empire Napoleon as a strategic genius The disastrous invasion of Russia and downfall Exile and brief return to power Defeat at t...
Jul 13, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast When Adolf Hitler's half-niece was found dead in a pool of her own blood, the Nazi party rushed to cover up the scene. But who killed Geli Raubal, why, and did she take some very dark secrets with her to the grave? The discovery of Geli's body Who was Geli Raubal What was the nature of Hitler and Geli's relationship? What happened to Geli Raubal? Why did Geli Raubal kill herself? Did Hitler kill his niece? Hitler's reaction to the death Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary a...
Jul 06, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast He was a secretive billionaire who would earn the nickname of "The King of Oil". In this episode, we'll be talking about the early life of Marc Rich, how he made his fortune, how he got on the wrong side of the US authorities, and the controversial presidential pardon. The Clinton pardon The early life of Marc Rich The work of a commodities trader The global rise of mercury The Trans-Israel pipeline Creating Marc Rich + Co Selling Iranian oil Being charged with tax fraud Full interactive transcr...
Jun 29, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Wondering what The "English Learning for Curious Minds podcast" is all about? Here's an update on how things have been going, almost 400 episodes and 5 million downloads after we started... Introduction to the host of English Learning for Curious Minds Deciding to start the podcast My language-learning journey Publishing the first episode English Learning for Curious Minds today Going “full-time” Why starting a podcast is more complicated than pressing record How the sausage is made Where to sta...
Jun 22, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast What do some of the biggest porn websites in the industry have in common? They are all owned by a media and technology company named MindGeek. In this episode, we'll be taking a look at the history of the porn business, the role of MindGeek in the evolution of porn and money, and the current state of the adult industry. Introduction to the topic of porn and the porn industry MindGeek's acquisition of major adult entertainment properties The evolution of the porn industry and the impact of the In...
Jun 15, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Dubbed "The King of the Sting" or "The Fake Sheikh", Mazher Mahmood was a journalist who posed as a Middle-Eastern prince and exposed the rich and famous. But it turned out that his methods and fact-checking weren't always as honest as he claimed... The Sarah Ferguson Sting Who was Mazher Mahmood? CAUGHT! Match-fixer pockets £150k as he rigs the England Test at Lord’s The story to kidnap Victoria Beckham Criticism of Mahmood’s methods The Tulisa Contostavlos cocaine expose Legacy of Mazher Mahmo...
Jun 08, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Milk–this widely common, seemingly unproblematic drink–has become the subject of recent controversy. In this episode, we’ll look into the war on milk, why people stopped drinking it, and the future of the dairy industry. The early history of milk drinking Why people are stopping drinking milk The growth of raw milk The state of milk in 2023 The future of the dairy industry Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts...
Jun 01, 2023•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's the official body responsible for regulating the world's most popular sport, but it is regularly accused of corruption. In this episode, we'll look at why this is, some of the biggest scandals in FIFA history, and see what the organisation is doing to clean itself up. Sepp Blatter & North Korea The early history of football The founding of FIFA Culture of corruption FIFA scandals How does FIFA choose what country hosts a World Cup? Accepting bribes to give South Africa the World Cup The...
May 25, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Listen to the all of Pioneers Of The Continuum 👉 https://link.chtbl.com/pioneers -- In episode one of Pioneers Of The Continuum, Winston travels back to 1939 and comes face to face with Adolf Hitler. Will he put a bullet in his brain and change the course of history? -- Guest starring Luke Thompson from Luke's English Podcast . -- Free interactive transcript, subtitles & translations in 12 languages at: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/pioneers/killing-hitler...
May 22, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast British tabloids are notorious for being exaggerated, sensationalist, and stopping at nothing to get a good story. In this episode, we’ll talk about the origins of tabloid culture, its early history, and how it persists in the modern day. Tabloids & Oscar Wilde What is a tabloid? The early history of tabloids The difference in reporting style between tabloids & broadsheets Gossip in British tabloids Phone hacking The future of British tabloids The digital transition of British tabloids F...
May 18, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the early 20th century, a disorganised bunch of criminals transformed into a criminal empire and made billions in the process. In this episode, we'll learn how it all got started and why you didn't want to get on the wrong side of Charles "Lucky" Luciano. The Murder of Giuseppe Masseria Italian History Migrational context Early criminal gangs The Castellammarese War The formation of “The Commission” Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://ww...
May 11, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Big news. On May 23rd, we are launching a new audio-drama starring your favourite English-language podcasters. Win a limited-edition Pioneers Of The Continuum t-shirt: Go to Pioneers Of the Continuum on your podcast app ( https://link.chtbl.com/pioneers ) Subscribe, follow or leave a review ( 5x your chance of winning by leaving a review ) Take a screenshot Send it to pioneers@leonardoenglish.com That's it! Everyone who takes part in this competition will also receive a special surprise......
May 09, 2023•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast There are thousands of idioms in the English language. Idioms are often present in the books we read, the shows we watch, and in everyday conversations. In this episode, we’ll look into the different types of idioms, how to learn them effectively and ask ourselves whether idioms really matter. Do people really say, “It’s raining cats and dogs”? Alastair vs Kris The four types of idioms Do categories of idioms matter? How native speakers decide to use an idiom The two real categories of idioms th...
May 04, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Charming, glamorous, and ambitious. Anna Delvey was a wealthy German heiress who would one day inherit a large trust fund from her father who was a wealthy entrepreneur. But it was all just a facade. In the final part of our mini-series on Great American Con Artists, we’ll learn about the fake German heiress who managed to trick New York City. The Trial of Anna Sorokin Anna Delvey arrives in New York City The trip to the Venice Biennale The Anna Delvey Foundation Life at 11 Howard Anna & Nef...
Apr 27, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Imagine paying for an exclusive music festival where you get to party with celebrities and supermodels on a private island, only to find out upon arrival that you got scammed. In part one of our mini-series on Great American Con Artists, we’ll learn about Billy McFarland and Fyre Festival, the festival in the Caribbean that went terribly wrong. Celebrities post on Instagram Background to The Fyre Festival Celebrity endorsements The marketing of the Fyre Festival Running out of money Arriving at ...
Apr 20, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's a tiny rock in the Mediterranean that has become a global hub for online gambling. In this episode, we look at how this happened, what it means, and how it has fundamentally changed one of Europe's smallest countries. An early morning on Poker Island Introduction to Malta The early history of online gambling in Malta Online gambling regulation in Malta Scandinavians flock to Malta Where does the money go in online casinos? How online casinos make money Impact on Malta Impact on Malta’s repu...
Apr 13, 2023•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast It has been called America's most famous hate group and has been terrorising the country for 150 years. In this episode, we look at the history of the Ku Klux Klan, examining its three distinct phases and murderous ideology. The three distinct phases of the KKK Phase I - The Reconstruction Phase II - the 1920s revival Phase III - 1960s civil rights The Ku Klux Klan in the modern day Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.co...
Apr 06, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast He was a wealthy English aristocrat who disappeared after the family nanny was found brutally murdered. In this episode, we look at the life and disappearance of the famous gambler and socialite, Lord Lucan. The evening of 7th November 1974 The early life of Lord Lucan His life as a wealthy aristocrat Lord Lucan’s gambling addiction His deteriorating marriage Sandra Rivett: the nanny The murder The disappearance of Lord Lucan Sightings and theories about what happened Parallels with Cluedo Full ...
Mar 30, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast He was a former American marine who would go on to assassinate one of the most popular presidents in American history. In this episode, we look at the unhappy life of Lee Harvey Oswald and ask ourselves why he pulled the trigger. The assassination of JFK The early life of Lee Harvey Oswald Joining the US Marines Developing left-wing views Leaving for the Soviet Union Returning to the USA Buying the gun and having a test run Preparation for the assassination The assassination of JFK Why did he do...
Mar 23, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether it's Carrie from Sex and the City or the advertising executives in Mad Men, people are drinking more cocktails than ever before. In this episode, we take a look at the fascinating stories behind six popular cocktails, from the Bloody Mary to the White Russian. The early history of cocktails Fredric Tudor - “The Ice King” Cocktail #1: The Margarita Cocktail #2: The Bloody Mary Cocktail #3: The Sidecar Cocktail #4: The Singapore Sling Cocktail #5: The White Russian Cocktail #6: The Screwdr...
Mar 16, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast The British and Americans were suspicious that there was a mole. They were right; in fact, there were five double agents. In the final part of this three-part mini-series, we see what happened when the net started closing in, and why some people think that the Cambridge Five got away unpunished. Kim Philby realises their cover is blown Recap of parts one and two The alcoholic downfall of The Cambridge Five Burgess & Maclean’s defection to the USSR The confession of Kim Philby The defection o...
Mar 09, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the early 1930s, five high-flying Cambridge University students were recruited to become Soviet spies. These five men enjoyed decades-long careers at the top of the British establishment and were some of the most successful double agents in history. In part one of this three-part mini-series, we see how it all got started. The recruitment of Kim Philby Background to The Cambridge Five Life at Cambridge University The political climate of the 1930s Arnold Deutsch: Soviet Recruiter The first jo...
Mar 02, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
