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
Aug 1, 2024 • 37min
#494 | The Haitian Revolution
Explore the harrowing yet inspiring tale of the Haitian Revolution, where enslaved individuals fought fiercely for their freedom. Discover the life of Toussaint L’Ouverture, a pivotal military leader emerging from brutal conditions. The podcast dives into the societal structures of Saint-Domingue and the initial uprisings sparked by ideals from the French Revolution. Learn about the intense diplomatic struggles, betrayals, and eventual victory that led to Haiti becoming the world's first free black-led nation. It's a gripping look at resilience and human rights!
Jul 25, 2024 • 18min
#492 | Cool Britannia | 1990s Britain
Travel back to the vibrant 'Cool Britannia' era of 1990s Britain, where music icons like Oasis and Blur, political figure Tony Blair, and artists like Tracy Emin and Damian Hirst intertwined to create a unique cultural renaissance. Explore the impact of The Spice Girls and the Union Jack symbolism, London's role as a creative hub, and the economic influence of Britain's creative industries. Delve into the complexities and nostalgia surrounding this iconic period in British history.
Jul 18, 2024 • 19min
#490 | JK Rowling & Transgenderism
Famous author JK Rowling discusses her controversial views on transgenderism, sparking debates on free speech laws. Topics include her reasons for speaking out, public reactions, impact on education, personal experiences influencing her opinion, criticism from Harry Potter actors, and ongoing role in the public debate.
Jul 11, 2024 • 19min
#488 | John Stonehouse | The Politician Who Faked His Death
Guest John Stonehouse, a British politician, faked his death in 1974 and resurfaced in Australia. Topics include his financial woes, speculation of being a Czech spy, affair with his secretary, multiple fake identities, legal trial, and impact on British politics.
Jul 4, 2024 • 21min
#486 | North vs. South | The Great English Divide
Explore the North-South divide in England, tracing back to historical, economic, and political factors. Delve into stereotypes, Industrial Revolution impacts, and Margaret Thatcher's influence. Learn about regional disparities in accents, vocabulary, and health. Discover institutional prejudice against Northern accents. Dive into the humorous rivalry between Northerners and Southerners.
5 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 20min
#484 | Robert Fortune: The Man Who Stole Tea From China
Guest Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist, stole tea production secrets from China, impacting global tea industry.Considers tea's importance to Britain, Opium Wars, travel restrictions in China, Fortune's disguise and exploration, Indian tea industry success, and Fortune's legacy.
Jun 20, 2024 • 20min
#482 | Ayn Rand & The Philosophy of Objectivism
Explore Ayn Rand's controversial philosophy of Objectivism, her life in Russia and America, the themes of 'The Fountainhead' and 'Atlas Shrugged', the core beliefs of Objectivism including rational self-interest, the role of government, controversies and criticisms, and Rand's impact and legacy.
36 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 17min
#480 | Marcus Aurelius | The Philosopher Emperor
Meet Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and philosopher known for 'Meditations'. Explore key ideas: control what you can, live by nature, reflect, embrace fate, impermanence, and authenticity. Learn about his struggles and Stoicism's resurgence today.
Jun 6, 2024 • 20min
#478 | The UK General Election (2024)
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprises with early election call. Discussion on Conservative leadership history, main election themes, and potential next PM. Focus on Sunak vs. Starmer campaigns, trust vs. change strategies, and embarrassing moments during election announcement.
May 30, 2024 • 23min
#476 | The Glasgow Ice Cream Wars
Discover the dark history of Glasgow's Ice Cream Wars, involving drug dealing, gang wars, and wrongful convictions. Explore the intense territorial battles among ice cream vans and the infiltration of organized crime. Learn about Andrew Doyle's resistance to criminal intimidation and the tragic consequences faced by his family. Uncover the shocking case of T.C. Campbell and Joe Steele, who were wrongly convicted. Dive into the nostalgic memories of ice cream culture amid the chaos of Glasgow in the 1980s.
