

English Learning for Curious Minds
Leonardo English
Are 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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 25min
#565 | How I Make Podcast Episodes
Ever wondered about the process behind crafting a podcast? Discover the intricate steps involved, from selecting timeless topics to conducting thorough research. Learn how writing scripts enhances conversational flow while making content accessible for various learners. Delve into the use of AI tools for brainstorming and refining ideas. Hear insights on balancing creativity with listener feedback, and understand the importance of consistent effort over perfection. This journey reveals how episodes truly come to life!

11 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 24min
#563 | The Curious Origins of The Nobel Prize
Alfred Nobel, known for inventing dynamite, was stunned by a mistaken obituary labeling him a 'merchant of death.' This prompted a significant shift in his legacy, leading to the establishment of the Nobel Prizes. The prizes recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, including peace, and have spurred both admiration and controversy. The podcast delves into Nobel's life, his relationship with advocate Bertha von Suttner, and the implications of his inventions. Discover the fascinating history and the enduring impact of his philanthropic vision.

Jul 31, 2025 • 22min
#560 | What Makes An Italian?
✨ Back To School Sale - Save 25% - https://bit.ly/BackToSchoolSept25Ends 23:59, Sunday 7th September.--In part one of a three-part mini-series on the theme of citizenship and identity, we'll ask ourselves, "What makes someone Italian?"
We'll explore the topic of citizenship and identity in Italy, and see what the current laws tell us about what it means to be (or not to be) Italian.
Definitions of jus soli and jus sanguinis
Italy's citizenship rules and marriage eligibility
Referendum on easing Italy's citizenship rules
Italy's low birth rate and demographic challenges
Immigration's influence on Italy's citizenship debates
Opposition arguments against easing citizenship rules
Result of Italy’s citizenship referendum
Comparison with Germany and France's citizenship laws
Discussion on Italian citizenship by ancestry
Debate on the meaning of citizenship in Italy
Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/italian-identity
---You might like:⚡️ Back To School Sale - Save 25% [ends 23:59, Sunday, 7th September] 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

4 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 29min
#558 | General Hannibal | Rome’s Greatest Enemy
Hannibal of Carthage emerges as one of history's greatest military generals, fueled by a childhood vow of vengeance against Rome. His audacious Alpine crossing with elephants and a diverse army left the Romans in shock. The podcast highlights his stunning victories at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae, showcasing his tactical genius. Yet, despite his brilliance, he faced defeat at the Battle of Zama. Hannibal's enduring legacy reshaped military strategy for centuries, making him a fascinating figure in the annals of warfare.

Jul 3, 2025 • 27min
#555 | Mobutu Sese Seko | The King of the Kleptocrats
✨ Back To School Sale - Save 25% - https://bit.ly/BackToSchoolSept25Ends 23:59, Sunday 7th September.--Meet Mobutu Sese Seko, the man who rose from a lowly army officer to become the autocratic ruler of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wearing his signature leopard-skin hat, Mobutu rebranded the country as Zaire and himself as a symbol of African pride.
Despite his charismatic persona and lavish lifestyle, his regime left the country impoverished, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and corruption.
Mobutu Sese Seko's rise to power in Congo
Congo's harsh colonial history under Belgian rule
Mobutu's involvement in Patrice Lumumba's downfall
Mobutu's 1965 coup and 32-year rule
Renaming Congo to Zaire and introducing the Authenticité movement
Mobutu's repressive regime and personality cult
Corruption and Mobutu's embezzlement of state funds
Economic decline and dependency on foreign aid
Mobutu's fall from power and death in exile
Mobutu's enduring legacy in modern-day DRC
Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mobutu-sese-seko
---You might like:⚡️ Back To School Sale - Save 25% [ends 23:59, Sunday, 7th September] 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

9 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 26min
#553 | A Short History Of The Minimum Wage
Discover the surprising origins of minimum wage laws in Australia and New Zealand. Uncover how these laws have evolved and sparked debate in places like the UK and US. Explore arguments for and against minimum wage, weighing its impact on vulnerable workers and businesses. Learn about regional variations and the complexities of setting a uniform wage against differing living costs. Finally, hear diverse opinions on how minimum wage policies shape the economy and influence wage growth.

Jun 5, 2025 • 29min
#550 | The Egyptian Revolution
✨ Back To School Sale - Save 25% - https://bit.ly/BackToSchoolSept25Ends 23:59, Sunday 7th September.--In 2011, Egypt erupted in protest, toppling a 30-year regime.What began as a grassroots movement against an autocratic leader turned into a complex struggle for democracy and power.In this episode, we'll travel through the events that led from the hopeful dawn of revolution to the military's return to power, and see how social media and global events played pivotal roles in shaping modern Egypt.Egypt's conditions ripe for revolution in 2011 Hosni Mubarak's rule and use of emergency laws Impact of Tunisian Revolution on Egypt Rise of protests on Egyptian Police Day 2011 Role of social media in Egyptian protests Mubarak's resignation and military's interim government Muslim Brotherhood's rise and Morsi's presidency Morsi's overreach and public dissatisfaction Army's intervention and Sisi's rise to power Repression and return to authoritarian rule under Sisi Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/egyptian-revolution
---You might like:⚡️ Back To School Sale - Save 25% [ends 23:59, Sunday, 7th September] 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

May 22, 2025 • 23min
#548 | The Salem Witch Trials
Dive into the chilling events of the Salem Witch Trials, where fear and paranoia fueled a deadly witch hunt in 17th-century Massachusetts. Discover how innocent lives were lost amid accusations of witchcraft and the impact of a harsh winter. Uncover the theories surrounding these tragic events, including the role of societal tensions and even potential psychedelic influences. The story culminates with the recent exoneration of Elizabeth Johnson Jr., the last wrongly accused victim, highlighting the long-lasting quest for justice in this dark chapter of history.

May 8, 2025 • 26min
#545 | The Life of Lawrence of Arabia
The podcast takes a deep dive into T.E. Lawrence's extraordinary journey as Lawrence of Arabia. It uncovers his early life as an archaeologist and the thrilling transformation into a military leader during World War I. His guerrilla warfare tactics against the Ottomans are examined, alongside the haunting consequences of betrayal illustrated by the Sykes-Picot Agreement. The discussion also reflects on Lawrence's complex legacy, probing into whether he was a hero or a villain in the eyes of history.

15 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 23min
#543 | From Temples to Duty-Free | The Ancient History of Modern Perfume
Discover the captivating journey of perfume from Ancient Mesopotamia to the luxury of modern France. Learn how scents transitioned from practical uses in rituals to symbols of status, especially in Egypt and Rome. Explore the artistry behind 'grands nez,' master perfumers, and the economic factors behind fragrance pricing. Delve into the historical significance of perfume, its evolution in social settings, and the cultural bonds forged by scent across civilizations. Join this aromatic exploration!