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
Jan 30, 2025 • 23min
#528 | The Stanford Prison Experiment
Discover the chilling insights from the Stanford Prison Experiment and how it transformed our understanding of human behavior. Delve into the disturbing roles of guards and prisoners, with gripping accounts of escalating conflicts. Ethical concerns are put under the microscope, questioning the validity of such experiments. The psychological impact on participants offers a revealing look at power dynamics and social roles. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that prompts reflection on human nature's darker facets.
25 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 25min
#526 | Space Mining | The Future or Science Fiction?
Space mining may sound like a fantasy, but it's edging closer to reality. The podcast dives into the potential of asteroids, like 16 Psyche, as treasure troves of precious metals. It tackles the technological hurdles of harnessing these resources and the rapidly decreasing costs of space travel. Ethical questions about ownership and the environmental impact on Earth also come to light, creating a fascinating debate over whether this future venture could benefit our planet's economy.
9 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 23min
#523 | The Mysterious World of Secret Societies
Dive into the intriguing world of secret societies. Discover the elite rituals and notable members of Skull and Bones at Yale. Explore the rise and fall of the Knights Templar, from a powerful order to its dramatic downfall. Unravel the symbolism and global influence of Freemasonry. Each society unveils a complex web of history, conspiracy theories, and enduring allure that captivates the public imagination.
Dec 19, 2024 • 21min
#521 | “A Heartbeat Away” | The Role Of The US Vice President
Dive into the evolving significance of the U.S. Vice Presidency and its unique path to the presidency. Discover how figures like Kamala Harris and Dick Cheney transformed the role from ceremonial to influential. Explore the historical context and legal amendments shaping this power dynamic. Plus, hear about J.D. Vance's ambitions for the future as a potential presidential candidate. This engaging discussion challenges perceptions and highlights the Vice President's pivotal role in American governance.
Dec 5, 2024 • 19min
#518 | Atoms For Peace | The Early Years of Nuclear Power
Dive into the fascinating history of nuclear power, born from the shadows of nuclear weapons. Discover how President Eisenhower’s visionary "Atoms for Peace" initiative aimed to promote nuclear energy for civil use. Explore the political pressures, like the 1973 oil crisis, that pushed nuclear technology into the limelight. Learn about France's ambitious plans for nuclear independence and the protests igniting in West Germany. Finally, witness how incidents like Three Mile Island spurred safety concerns, setting the stage for modern debates on energy.
10 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 23min
#516 | Journey to the Deep: A Short History of Underwater Exploration
Dive into the brave history of underwater exploration, from ancient diving bells to the astounding Mariana Trench. Discover Aristotle's early theories and Magellan's deep-sea measurements, leading to the invention of the submarine. Learn about David Bushnell's military innovations and the HMS Challenger's groundbreaking oceanographic expedition that unveiled deep-sea creatures. Finally, reflect on humanity's unyielding quest to uncover the secrets of our oceans, revealing how much mystery still lies beneath the waves.
Nov 7, 2024 • 23min
#513 | The UK University Crisis
British universities are grappling with a financial crisis fueled by reliance on international tuition fees. The impact of Brexit has also contributed to falling EU student numbers, complicating funding further. The discussion highlights stark disparities in graduate earnings, questioning the value of certain degrees. Additionally, there's concern over less prestigious institutions running deficits and cutting programs. The sustainability of the university system in the 21st century is under scrutiny, prompting a debate on the future of educational offerings.
Oct 24, 2024 • 19min
#511 | The Death Of Princess Diana
Explore the tragic events of Princess Diana's car crash in Paris, a night filled with romance and the relentless pursuit of paparazzi. Discover the public's profound grief and the royal family's reaction to the loss of a beloved figure. Delve into the various theories surrounding her death, balancing accident versus conspiracy. Reflect on the high cost of fame and Diana's enduring legacy, particularly its impact on her family and the ongoing conversation about privacy in the media spotlight.
Oct 10, 2024 • 26min
#508 | A Short History of Crime and Punishment in Britain
Dive into the chilling history of crime and punishment in Britain, from the brutal Bloody Code to medieval justice reforms by William the Conqueror. Explore how even minor crimes faced extreme penalties, and learn about the ineffective public executions of the 18th century. Discover the influence of Enlightenment thinkers advocating for rehabilitation over capital punishment. This journey through time reveals the ongoing evolution of the justice system and the challenges it still faces today.
Sep 26, 2024 • 25min
#506 | Citizens of Nowhere: The Stateless Bidoon of Kuwait
Discover the plight of the Bidoon, a stateless group in Kuwait, struggling for recognition and citizenship. Learn about their nomadic lifestyle and the historical context shaping their current situation. Explore the contrasting citizenship policies between Kuwait and other nations like Ireland. The podcast also addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by the Bidoon, their marginalization in society, and the global pressure on Kuwait for reform. What does the future hold for these citizens of nowhere?
