
English Learning for Curious Minds
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
Latest episodes

Jun 19, 2025 • 25min
#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 • 28min
#550 | The Egyptian Revolution
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:🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE 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

May 22, 2025 • 22min
#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 • 25min
#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 • 22min
#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!

6 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 28min
#540 | Mustafa Kemal Atatürk | The Father of Modern Turkey
Dive into the remarkable life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the architect of modern Turkey. Uncover his pivotal 36-hour speech that inspired a nation and his emergence as a military leader during World War I. Explore the dramatic decline of the Ottoman Empire and Atatürk's visionary reforms that established a secular republic. Delve into his radical modernization efforts, including language reform and the introduction of surnames. Discover why his legacy still resonates powerfully in Turkey today.

Apr 3, 2025 • 13min
[Bonus] The 2008 Financial Crisis and Housing Bubble – Past Perfect Continuous (English Grammar Lesson)
In this discussion, Tom Wilkinson, host of the Thinking in English Grammar podcast, dives into the past perfect continuous tense using the 2008 financial crisis as a fascinating backdrop. He delves into how irresponsible banking practices led to the collapse, making grammar lessons engaging through this historical lens. The episode also highlights Michael Burry, the analyst who predicted the crisis years in advance, tying together the lessons of finance and language in a compelling narrative.

9 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 24min
#538 | Percy Fawcett | The Real Life Indiana Jones
Dive into the adventurous life of Percy Fawcett, often likened to a real-life Indiana Jones. Discover his aristocratic beginnings and unyielding passion for exploration. Fawcett's quest for the elusive lost city 'Z' led him deep into the Amazon rainforest. The impact of World War I transformed his worldview, while his fateful 1925 expedition with his son and friend ended in mystery. Theories about his disappearance abound, leaving a legacy that questions the existence of advanced Amazon civilizations.

Mar 21, 2025 • 24min
The Freezer Door [Easy Stories In English]
A woman seems to have the perfect life, yet feels an inexplicable sadness. Opening her freezer door unveils a journey to a parallel universe where she must weigh her choices against love and family. The podcast explores cultural nuances of greeting customs and the challenges of sobriety in different societies. It also touches on the emotional complexities of motherhood and the consequences of decisions, inviting listeners to ponder their own lives and choices.

Mar 13, 2025 • 25min
#536 | A Brief History of Mercenaries
In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of mercenaries, taking you from the era of Italian condottieri to the modern day with groups like Blackwater and Wagner.
You'll learn how these soldiers for hire have evolved, the reasons nations use or avoid them, and their impact on 21st-century warfare.
What are mercenaries? Definition and historical context.
Origins and role of freelance knights in Medieval Europe.
Renaissance Italy: The rise of the condottieri.
Impact and decline of the condottieri.
Blackwater: A modern private military company.
Private Military Contractors and international law issues.
The Wagner Group and its ties to Russia.
Wagner's global influence and alleged war crimes.
Mercenaries in business and war: Ethical dilemmas.
Future of warfare with mercenary involvement.
Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mercenaries
---You might like:🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE 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