English Learning for Curious Minds
353 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 58 ratingsAre you looking for a more interesting way to learn English?
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
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Episodes
What Happens When Languages Die?
July 02, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBThere are 7,000 languages spoken across the world. Yet 80% of the population speaks just 1.1% of the languages, and 43% of the languages are endangered. What happens when they die out? Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#68: What Happens When Languages Die?
July 02, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBThere are 7,000 languages spoken across the world. Yet 80% of the population speaks just 1.1% of the languages, and 43% of the languages are endangered. What happens when they die out? In today's episode we cover: How people feel differently when speaking different languages The 12 'dominant' world languages Why have certain languages dominated? Why do languages die out? When the last two speakers of a language hate each other Dying languages in the UK Hawaiian - a revi...
The Weird History of Madame Tussauds
June 25, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBDiscover the amazing story of how a young woman from France befriended the royal family, escaped the guillotine, made death masks of revolutionaries, and then created the world's most successful waxworks museum. The story of Madame Tussauds has a lot more to it than meets the eye. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#66: The Weird History of Madame Tussauds
June 25, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBDiscover the amazing story of how a young woman from France befriended the royal family, escaped the guillotine, made death masks of revolutionaries, and then created the world's most successful waxworks museum. The story of Madame Tussauds has a lot more to it than meets the eye. In today's episode we cover: What is wax-working? Going to Paris to seek fortune Teaching art to King Louis XVI’s sister The arrival of the revolution Death masks The trip to London The UK tou...
The Hidden Cost of Food Delivery Apps
June 18, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBFood delivery apps have taken over cities across the world, promising delicious food at the tap of a button. But is it really that simple? In this episode we discuss what the rise of food delivery apps means for us, for restaurants, and for the people who do the deliveries. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#64: The Hidden Cost of Food Delivery Apps
June 18, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBFood delivery apps have taken over cities across the world, promising delicious food at the tap of a button. But is it really that simple? In this episode we discuss what the rise of food delivery apps means for us, for restaurants, and for the people who do the deliveries. In today's episode we cover: How food delivery apps work Why restaurants use them The early years of food delivery apps Unfair tactics Charging $9 for a phone call Offers and commissions Chicago Pizz...
#62: The Resource Curse
June 11, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBWhen a country finds gold, oil or diamonds, you might think this would be a good thing. But in many cases, it is a curse for that country, and it would have been better off leaving its natural resources in the ground. In today's episode we cover: Expression: "to strike gold" Wars & conflict What happens to your currency when you export natural resources Government accountability & politicians Equatorial Guinea (and the $600M president) Prices that change a lot Did the re...
The Resource Curse
June 11, 2020 22:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBWhen a country finds gold, oil or diamonds, you might think this would be a good thing. But in many cases, it is a curse for that country, and it would have been better off leaving its natural resources in the ground.
The British Sense of Humour
June 04, 2020 22:30 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBPeople in Britain have a unique sense of humour. For lots of foreigners it's difficult to understand and confusing. But British people are fiercely proud of their sense of humour, and the UK has produced some of the world's best comedies. In this episode we take a look at what makes Brits laugh, and tell a few jokes along the way.
#60: The British Sense of Humour
June 04, 2020 22:30 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBPeople in Britain have a unique sense of humour. For lots of foreigners it's difficult to understand and confusing. But British people are fiercely proud of their sense of humour, and Britain has produced some of the world's best comedies. In this episode we take a look at what makes Brits laugh, and tell a few jokes along the way. Introduction to British humour What do British people laugh about? Sarcasm ("No sh*t Sherlock") What happens when you tell a joke about pasta to...
#58: Plastic
May 28, 2020 22:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBIt has revolutionised our lives, made cars lighter, food fresher, and water safer. But at what cost? In this episode we take a look at the history of plastic, and ask ourselves what comes next. In today's episode we cover: Elephants, combs and billiard balls - how plastic was invented Throwaway living in the 1950s How much plastic waste exists in the world? How much plastic do we eat? Recycling plastic The 5 countries that are responsible for the plastic in the oceans N...
Plastic
May 28, 2020 22:30 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBIt has revolutionised our lives, made cars lighter, food fresher, and water safer. But at what cost? In this episode we take a look at the history of plastic, and ask ourselves what comes next.
#56: Turkmenistan
May 21, 2020 22:30 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBIt's one of the most isolated countries in the world, ruled by an authoritarian leader with a passion for horses and Guinness World Records. It's time to find out about the weird and wonderful country of Turkmenistan. In today's episode we cover: The cult of personality under Niyazov No dogs allowed in the capital The golden statue that turned to face the sun Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and the love for horses Firing a gun from a bicycle The resource curse Changing money o...
Turkmenistan
May 21, 2020 22:30 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBIt's one of the most isolated countries in the world, ruled by an authoritarian leader with a passion for horses and Guinness World Records. It's time to find out about the weird and wonderful country of Turkmenistan. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
Harrods | The Playground of London's Rich & Famous
May 14, 2020 22:30 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's one of the most famous department stores in the world, catering to the world's rich and famous. But it hasn't always been this way. In this episode we take a look at the story of Harrods, and discover the fascinating and unusual history of this iconic London location. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#54: Harrods | The Playground of London's Rich & Famous
May 14, 2020 22:30 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's one of the most famous department stores in the world, catering to the world's rich and famous. But it hasn't always been this way. In this episode we take a look at the story of Harrods, and discover the fascinating and unusual history of this iconic London location. In today's episode we cover: How it all started, back in 1824 The Great Exhibition When it all burned down Harrods' famous customers Brandy on the escalator The Mohamed Al-Fayed years The lawsuit ...
The Guinness World Records
May 07, 2020 23:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIt's a collection of the biggest, fastest, and weirdest things in the world. But how much do you really know about The Guinness World Records? Today we look at the story behind the book, and discover how an argument about a bird turned into one of the best selling books in the world. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#52: The Guinness World Records
May 07, 2020 23:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIt's a collection of the biggest, fastest, and weirdest things in the world. But how much do you really know about The Guinness World Records? Today we look at the story behind the book, and discover how an argument about a bird turned into one of the best selling books in the world. Here's what you have to look forward to in today's episode: Finding out the answers to things before the internet How the idea for the Guinness Book of Records came about The McWhirter twin...
#50: A Service Announcement
May 04, 2020 23:00 - 7 minutes - 6.66 MBA quick announcement of some exciting developments at Leonardo English. New memberships, request an episode, and exclusive Q&A sessions for members. Find out more at www.leonardoenglish.com/subscribe --- You might like: 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists 🧑💼 Demystifying Business English Course 📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership ⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English 📧 Join the weekly newsletter ✍️ Fr...
A Service Announcement
May 04, 2020 23:00 - 7 minutes - 6.66 MBA quick announcement of some exciting developments at Leonardo English. New memberships, request an episode, and exclusive Q&A sessions for members. Until May 10th use the code APRIL4 to get your Listener membership for €4/month - www.leonardoenglish.com/subscribe
Fair Trade
April 30, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBYou recognise the name. You recognise the label. You've seen it on bananas, chocolate, coffee, and all over thousands of everyday products. But how much do you really know about Fairtrade? In today's episode we take a look at how it really works, who benefits, and why some companies are starting up alternatives to Fairtrade. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#49: Fair Trade
April 30, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBYou recognise the name. You recognise the label. You've seen it on bananas, chocolate, coffee, and all over thousands of everyday products. But how much do you really know about Fairtrade? In today's episode we take a look at how it really works, who benefits, and why some companies are starting up alternatives to Fairtrade. In today's episode we cover: A brief history of 'trade' Why farmers get a bad deal Max Havelaar & the first fair trade coffee The Dutch in Indonesia ...
The Spanish Flu
April 27, 2020 23:05 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBThe Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 infected 1/3 of the world's population, and it's estimated that it killed up to 100 million people. In today's episode we take a look at what really happened, how it spread so quickly, and what countries did to contain it. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#47: Fox News // The Presidential Propaganda Machine
April 23, 2020 23:05 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIt's one of the most powerful television channels in the United States, the current US president’s preferred news channel, and referred to by some as 'state TV'. In today's episode we take a look at Fox News: who watches it, how it really makes money, and what event could cause its downfall. In today's episode we cover: The growth of Fox News Fox News & Donald Trump News vs. opinion Very good, excellent, or superb - North Korean TV in America Advertisers on Fox News How F...
Fox News // The Presidential Propaganda Machine
April 23, 2020 23:05 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIt's one of the most powerful television channels in the United States, the current US president’s preferred news channel, and referred to by some as 'state TV'. In today's episode we take a look at Fox News: who watches it, how it really makes money, and what event could cause its downfall. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
The Taliban
April 20, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBFrom sharia law to public executions, The Taliban ruled Afghanistan with a iron fist. In this episode we look at the origins of this group, what life was like under its rule, how it has managed to survive so long, and what the future might have in store. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#45: Guy Fawkes // The Man Who Tried To Blow Up Parliament
April 16, 2020 23:05 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBIn the early hours of November 5th, 1605, a man was found in a cellar under The Houses of Parliament. He was moments away from blowing everything up, killing the King, and changing the course of British history forever. Today we tell the story of Guy Fawkes, and how we went from religious terrorist to anti-establishment icon. In today's episode we cover: November 5th celebrations in the UK The persecution of Catholics in Britain The plan to blow up parliament The anonymous ...
Guy Fawkes // The Man Who Tried To Blow Up Parliament
April 16, 2020 23:05 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBIn the early hours of November 5th, 1605, a man was found in a cellar under The Houses of Parliament. He was moments away from blowing everything up, killing the King, and changing the course of British history forever. Today we tell the story of Guy Fawkes, and how we went from religious terrorist to anti-establishment icon. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
The Man Who Cracked The Nazi Code
April 13, 2020 23:05 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBThe Enigma machine, used by the Nazis in World War II, had 158,962,555,217,826,360,000 possible combinations, and was thought by many to be impossible to crack. Today we tell the story of the man who cracked the code, and his tragic end. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
Tulipmania // When Flowers Cost More Than Houses
April 09, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn Holland in the 1600s the price of tulips rose so much that a single bulb reportedly cost more than a townhouse on Amsterdam's grand canal. Today we look at the real story behind one of the greatest bubbles in history. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#43: Tulipmania // When Flowers Cost More Than Houses
April 09, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn Holland in the 1600s the price of tulips rose so much that a single bulb reportedly cost more than a townhouse on Amsterdam's grand canal. Today we look at the real story behind one of the greatest bubbles in history. What is a tulip? Why are things expensive? Why were tulips so expensive in Holland? Why were some people in Holland so rich? How tulips grow Tulip contracts The greater fool theory When the market crashed What really happened Have we learned our lesson...
The Countries That Sell Their Passports
April 06, 2020 23:05 - 22 minutes - 21 MBThe passport sales industry is booming, and is worth around $1 billion a year. In today's episode we take a look at how it all works, how much it all costs, and the people and countries that make it all possible. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
The Great Train Robbery
April 02, 2020 23:05 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBIn 1963 a criminal gang managed to stop a Royal Mail train, steal £2 million pounds in cash (£55 million in today's money), and escape. It took them just 15 minutes. Today we tell the story of this infamous robbery, and the hunt to find the men who did it. Full transcript, key vocabulary and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#41: The Great Train Robbery
April 02, 2020 23:05 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBIn 1963 a criminal gang managed to stop a Royal Mail train, steal £2 million pounds in cash (£55 million in today's money), and escape. It took them just 15 minutes. Today we tell the story of this infamous robbery, and the hunt to find the men who did it. The train carrying all the money Why was it carrying so much money? The story of the robbery The hunt for the suspects The discovery of the farm The Monopoly piece and the fingerprints The arrest of the suspects Who we...
April Fool's Day
March 30, 2020 23:05 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBIt's the day of the year where people, newspapers, TV shows, and companies play practical jokes on the public. Today we take a look at some of the best April Fool's Day jokes in history, and talk about what happens when they go wrong. Full transcript, key vocabulary and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#39: The Story Of A Fantastic Dictionary
March 27, 2020 00:05 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIn 1755, Samuel Johnson published an English dictionary that has gone down in history. Not only was it the first of its kind, it was full of funny jokes. Today we tell the story of this fantastic dictionary. Dictionaries before 1755 Why Johnson's was so famous Why was a dictionary needed? Why was the English language a mess? 'Fixing' English Johnson's dictionary: 40,000 words of fine scholarship Hidden joke 1: the definition of 'oats' Hidden joke 2: the definition of 'l...
The Story Of A Fantastic Dictionary
March 27, 2020 00:05 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBIn 1755, Samuel Johnson published an English dictionary that has gone down in history. Not only was it the first of its kind, it was full of funny jokes. Today we tell the story of this fantastic dictionary. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
How To Write Effectively // George Orwell's Six Rules For Writing
March 24, 2020 00:05 - 17 minutes - 16 MBGeorge Orwell, author of books like Animal Farm and 1984, is considered to be one of the finest writers in English. Today, we discuss his six rules on how to write effectively. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#37: London’s Gin Craze // Mother’s Ruin
March 20, 2020 00:05 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB300 years ago, London experienced a gin craze of epic scale, with the average Londoner drinking 10 times the amount of gin that the world's biggest gin drinking country does now. Today, it's time to learn about how gin almost destroyed London. We'll learn about: 👀 Why 'gin' is called 'gin' ⚡ The perfect storm that made caused the gin boom 🍸 The gin shops 🌡 The ingredients of the 'gin' ☠ "Drunk for a penny; dead drunk for two pennies; clean straw for nothing.” 💊 Gin craze ...
London’s Gin Craze // Mother’s Ruin
March 20, 2020 00:05 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB300 years ago, London experienced a gin craze of epic scale, with the average Londoner drinking 10 times the amount of gin that the world's biggest gin drinking country does now. Today, it's time to learn about how gin almost destroyed London. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
The Suffragettes // How Women Won The Vote
March 17, 2020 00:05 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB"We are here not because we are law-breakers, we are here in our efforts to become law-makers" Hunger strikes, chaining yourself to railings, and being killed by the King's horse. It's time to tell the story of The Suffragette movement in Britain, and how women got the right to vote. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
Is The World Really Running Out Of Sand?
March 13, 2020 00:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBAfter water and air, it's the most used natural resource in the world. But are we really running out of it? If so, why? And what happens if we do? Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#35: Is The World Really Running Out Of Sand?
March 13, 2020 00:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBAfter water and air, it's the most used natural resource in the world. But are we really running out of it? If so, why? And what happens if we do? In today's episode we cover: 🌡 What do we use sand for? 🏘 How much sand goes into a house? 🇨🇳 How much sand China uses ⏳ Where does this sand come from? 👮♂️ Sand mafias 🤷♂️ Can we avoid using sand? 🗼 Sand in Dubai (it doesn't come from where you think it does) Key vocabulary: Rolling, Dunes, Trekking, Infinite, Implausible,...
Chickens Are From The Jungle // How The Chicken Conquered The World
March 10, 2020 00:05 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBIt's the most populous bird in the world, outnumbering humans 3:1. Today we are asking ourselves how an obscure bird from South East Asia went from jungle floor to being eaten at a rate of two every millisecond. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
Universal Basic Income
March 06, 2020 00:05 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBWhat would happen if the government just gave everyone money? That's the idea of Universal Basic Income, and it's an idea that has supporters from all across the political spectrum. Today we're going to take a look at how it works, why people love it, why people hate it, and what happens when you just give people money without asking for anything in return. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#33: Universal Basic Income
March 06, 2020 00:05 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBWhat would happen if the government just gave everyone money? That's the idea of Universal Basic Income, and it's an idea that has supporters from all across the political spectrum. In today's episode we cover: ✍ History of Universal Basic Income 🤖 Are the robots coming? 💸 Who should get the money? 💰 Who should pay for it? 👏 Who supports Universal Basic Income? 👍 Advantages of Universal Basic Income 👎 Disadvantages of Universal Basic Income 🇫🇮 The experiment in Finland...
Henry VIII - The King With Six Wives
March 03, 2020 00:05 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBHis 36-year rule saw England break ties with the Catholic church and two of his six wives lose their heads. Today we're taking a look at Henry VIII of England, and his unfortunate wives. Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
#31: How Google Works
February 28, 2020 00:05 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBIt's the most visited website in the world, with 80,000 searches per second. But have you ever actually wondered how it really works? In today's episode we'll take a look at how this technology giant really works. 🔠 Alphabet & Google 🖥 What does 'The Internet' actually mean? 🕷 Google Spider 🤔 How does Google decide what results to show you? ❓ How does Google decide how websites are good or bad? 📊 Relevance, Quality, and User Experience 💵 How Google makes $6,000 a second ...
How Google Works
February 28, 2020 00:05 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBIt's the most visited website in the world, with 80,000 searches per second. But have you ever actually wondered how it really works? Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com
Jack The Ripper
February 25, 2020 00:05 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIn 1888 a serial killer terrorised the streets of London's East End, brutally murdering women. Over 2,000 people were questioned, but the killer's true identity has never been revealed. Today it's time to tell the story of Jack The Ripper Full transcript, key vocabulary, and bonus episodes available on www.leonardoenglish.com