

English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English
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

Nov 29, 2025 • 27min
[Black Friday Freebie #7] The Red Baron | Germany’s Deadliest World War I Fighter Pilot
Discover the incredible journey of Manfred von Richthofen, known as The Red Baron. From an aristocratic cavalry officer to the deadliest fighter pilot of World War I, his story is filled with bravery and innovative tactics. Learn about the revolutionary development of synchronized machine guns and his elite squadron, The Flying Circus. Delve into the mystery of his death and the controversies surrounding it. His legacy continues to capture imaginations, making him a legendary figure in aviation history.

Nov 28, 2025 • 25min
[Black Friday Freebie #6] Mata Hari | Lover, Dancer, Courtesan…Spy?
Part of our "Black Friday Freebie" series, unlocked for free. Follow the link below to listen and learn (for free) with the interactive transcript and study pack.---⚡️⚡️⚡️ Black Friday Sale ⚡️⚡️⚡️Special link: https://bit.ly/BlackFridayELFCM2025💰 Save 20% AND unlock €500 in English-learning challenges⏳ Limited availability⏱ Ends 23:59, Sunday, November 30th---In this episode, we’ll explore the fascinating life of Mata Hari, the Dutch dancer accused of being a German spy during World War I. Her tale is one of luxury, seduction, and betrayal, but was she truly a spy or merely a scapegoat in a world gone mad with spymania?Mata Hari's execution in 1917 Paris Her wealthy yet troubled early life Escape to Paris and rise in exotic dance Creation of the Mata Hari persona Her relationships with powerful men Accusations of being a German spy French offer to spy against Germany Arrest after intercepted German telegram Show trial alleging espionage Mata Hari as a convenient scapegoat Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mata-hari
---You might like:🖤 Black Friday Sale (20% off AND €500 in English-learning challenges) ⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

Nov 27, 2025 • 22min
[Black Friday Freebie #5] Banksy | The World's Most Famous Anonymous Artist
Part of our "Black Friday Freebie" series, unlocked for free. Follow the link below to listen and learn (for free) with the interactive transcript and study pack.---⚡️⚡️⚡️ Black Friday Sale ⚡️⚡️⚡️Special link: https://bit.ly/BlackFridayELFCM2025💰 Save 20% AND unlock €500 in English-learning challenges⏳ Limited availability⏱ Ends 23:59, Sunday, November 30th---Banksy is one of the most famous modern British artists known for his anonymous identity and provocative street art.In this episode, we'll explore Banksy's history, his rise to prominence, and the powerful messages behind his works. Banksy's anonymous identity fascinates the public Starting in Bristol's graffiti scene "Girl with a Balloon" shreds after auction Banksy's use of stencils for quick artworks Political and satirical themes in Banksy's art Mystery of who Banksy really is Art on public walls, not in galleries Criticism of the art establishment Dismaland as a critique of consumer culture Banksy's impact on street art's legitimacy Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/banksy
---You might like:🖤 Black Friday Sale (20% off AND €500 in English-learning challenges) ⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

Nov 27, 2025 • 25min
[Black Friday Freebie #4] The Murder Of Giulio Regeni
Part of our "Black Friday Freebie" series, unlocked for free. Follow the link below to listen and learn (for free) with the interactive transcript and study pack.---⚡️⚡️⚡️ Black Friday Sale ⚡️⚡️⚡️Special link: https://bit.ly/BlackFridayELFCM2025💰 Save 20% AND unlock €500 in English-learning challenges⏳ Limited availability⏱ Ends 23:59, Sunday, November 30th---In 2016, Italian PhD student Giulio Regeni vanished in Cairo, only for his tortured body to be found days later. This episode unravels the chilling mystery surrounding his death and the complex web of political intrigue and cover-ups that followed. As Italy and Egypt clash over justice, the lingering question remains: Will there ever be truth for Giulio Regeni?Giulio Regeni's background and studiesTrade union research in EgyptDisappearance and murder detailsInitial Egyptian explanations and cover-upsEvidence suggesting state involvementItalian authorities' response and investigationFour Egyptian officers identified as suspectsChallenges in prosecuting suspectsDiplomatic relations between Italy and EgyptOngoing quest for justice for Giulio Regeni Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/giulio-regeni
---You might like:🖤 Black Friday Sale (20% off AND €500 in English-learning challenges) ⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English📧 Join the weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

Nov 25, 2025 • 24min
[Black Friday Freebie #3] The Worst Church In The World | The Westboro Baptist Church
Discover the unsettling world of the Westboro Baptist Church, labeled 'The Most Hated Family in America.' Delve into their extremist beliefs and notorious protests, including those at soldiers' funerals. Learn about founder Fred Phelps and the indoctrination of his family. Hear firsthand accounts from Megan and Grace Phelps-Roper as they question their upbringing. Explore the potential changes in Phelps' views before his death and the current state of the church, which continues to provoke and adapt.

Nov 24, 2025 • 27min
[Black Friday Freebie #2] The Hijacking Of The Achille Lauro
In 1985, the Achille Lauro cruise ship was hijacked by armed men linked to the Palestinian Liberation Front. The gripping story includes intense negotiations, the murder of a disabled passenger, and a standoff between US and Italian forces in Sicily. The aftermath saw trials for the hijackers and a surprising escape for their leader, Abu Abbas. The incident dramatically impacted international relations and laws governing hijackings. With twists and diplomacy at every turn, it's a tale of tension and tragedy on the high seas.

Nov 23, 2025 • 24min
[Black Friday Freebie #1] Trump University: A $25 Million Lesson in Fraud
Explore the rise and fall of Trump University, where a promise of wealth turned into a costly lesson in deception. Discover how a free seminar lured thousands, only to upsell them on expensive packages with little real value. Delve into misleading language that misrepresented the institution and examine the hidden aggressive sales tactics. Hear about the court cases that uncovered the truth behind a supposed 98% student satisfaction rate and learn how brand power played a significant role in students' financial losses.

Nov 20, 2025 • 23min
#580 | Operation Valkyrie & The Plot To Kill Hitler
On July 20, 1944, a bomb targeted Hitler at his Wolf's Lair but failed to kill him due to a briefcase being moved. Claus von Stauffenberg, who had been severely injured, played a crucial role in this daring plot. After the explosion, a chaotic coup began, with conflicting reports on Hitler's fate. The aftermath saw brutal crackdowns, with thousands arrested and executed. The chilling 'what ifs' of this historical moment leave us wondering how different the world might have been if the assassination had succeeded.

Nov 6, 2025 • 24min
#577 | A Short History Of Universities
Explore the fascinating origins of universities from medieval guilds in Bologna to modern educational institutions. Discover how the Renaissance broadened studies beyond traditional subjects. Delve into the impact of the Scientific Revolution on research and knowledge creation. Learn about the Humboldt model that intertwined teaching and research, and the post-war expansion of higher education worldwide. Finally, examine the rising costs of tuition, student debt, and the enduring plight of the 'poor student' through the ages.

14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 24min
#575 | The Science of Happiness: Can It Be Measured?
The podcast explores the intricate concept of happiness and its measurability. Delve into the difference between pleasure-based and purpose-driven happiness, as discussed by Aristotle. Discover how social connections and loneliness impact well-being, especially during challenging times. Learn about innovative methods like experience sampling and big data approaches that offer real-time insights into mood. Finally, understand the role of trust and caregiving in societal happiness, revealing that happiness is more than just a personal quest.


