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
Mar 7, 2024 • 23min
#452 | The World’s Shrinking Population
Explore the global trend of shrinking populations and its implications. Delve into factors influencing declining birth rates, including gender equality and economic considerations. Learn about national strategies to counter population decline and challenges in incentivising more childbirth. Dive into the correlation between desired family size and national fertility rates, discussing economic consequences and societal impacts.
Feb 29, 2024 • 21min
#450 | The 1978 World Cup in Argentina
Exploring the dark and controversial 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, with dirty tactics, political corruption, allegations of bribery, unfair advantages, and protests against the backdrop of a brutal military dictatorship. The victory was marred by suspicions, leading to the legacy of the 'Dirtiest World Cup in History'.
Feb 22, 2024 • 20min
#448 | Modern Slavery
Explore the prevalence and forms of modern slavery, with statistics and hotspots highlighted. Learn about the categories of modern slaves and causes of its persistence, including an illustrative example in Malta. Discover the legal frameworks against modern slavery and how it has adapted over the ages.
4 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 19min
#446 | Slavery In The Ancient World
This podcast explores slavery in the ancient world, including legal codes, different ways people became slaves, philosophical justifications, various tasks of ancient slaves, economic significance, and the absence of opposition. It also compares ancient slavery to modern societal norms and discusses the evolution of slavery post Ancient Rome.
Feb 8, 2024 • 17min
#444 | The Amazing Story of Christian The Lion
John Rendall and Ace Bourke, Australians living in 1960s London, share the heartwarming true story of raising Christian the Lion in their flat. They discuss the challenges of owning a lion, negotiations with the Kenyan government to send Christian to Africa, and the formation of a new lion pride. The podcast concludes with an emotional reunion of John, Ace, and Christian in Kenya.
Feb 1, 2024 • 19min
#442 | Shamima Begum | ISIS Bride
Shamima Begum, a young lady whose British citizenship was revoked after joining ISIS, discusses her departure to Syria, life in the organization, desire to return to the UK, media coverage, challenges of statelessness, and broader implications for citizenship policies.
Jan 25, 2024 • 23min
#440 | The Korean Wave: How K-Pop Conquered the World
BTS, global music sensations from a small, unexpected country, discuss the rise of K-Pop, the role of the Korean government, and the impact of K-Pop on pop culture, fashion, and language worldwide. They highlight their own success, the use of social media, and the influence and activism demonstrated by K-Pop fans. The podcast draws parallels between K-Pop and Beatlemania.
Jan 18, 2024 • 19min
#438 | Bad Science | When Scientists Got It Wrong
This podcast explores three instances of scientific breakthroughs that turned out to be mistakes: faster-than-light neutrinos, the cold fusion claim, and the chocolate weight loss hoax. It highlights the importance of research and the ease with which outrageous claims can be made.
Jan 11, 2024 • 23min
#436 | Transhumanism & The Rise of The Superhumans
This podcast explores the concept of transhumanism and its potential to enhance human abilities through technology. Topics discussed include the roots of transhumanism, medical advancements, radical life extension, cognitive enhancement, ethical considerations, transhumanism in popular culture, and real-life examples. The hosts also delve into the argument of price and inequality, the pursuit of superhumans, and the ethical and practical aspects of transhumanism.
Jan 4, 2024 • 22min
#434 | Edward Snowden | American Patriot or Traitor?
Edward Snowden, famous whistleblower who leaked sensitive US government information in 2013, talks about his disillusionment with the CIA, decision to leak classified information, escape to Hong Kong, and ongoing impact on privacy laws. The podcast explores the size of the leaked data, impact on global surveillance debate, and contrasts perspectives on Snowden as a hero or traitor. It also discusses changes and debates triggered by his revelations and unanswered questions about whistleblowers' role and protection.
