

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

5 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 22min
#402 | The French Foreign Legion
Learn about the tough and fascinating French Foreign Legion with its diverse recruits and long history of conflicts. Discover the origins, recruitment process, and intense training that Legionnaires undergo. Explore the sacrifices, rewards, and unique composition of this renowned fighting force.

Sep 7, 2023 • 19min
#400 | Degrowth vs E/Acc | How To Save The World
Explore the opposing visions of degrowth and effective accelerationism for humanity's future. Learn about the historical trends of global economic growth and its environmental impact. Discover the concept of degrowth and its focus on sustainability and equality. Delve into the E/Acc approach with its emphasis on technological advancement, energy, AI, and interplanetary development. Find out about the differences between degrowth and E/Acc in terms of ideology and methods. Consider the potential consequences of unprecedented futures and the importance of radical action away from the status quo.

Aug 31, 2023 • 23min
#398 | Ernest Shackleton | Antarctic Explorer
Ernest Shackleton, an Antarctic explorer, and his crew faced challenges during the Endurance expedition. They were trapped in ice, survived the harsh Antarctic winter, and were eventually rescued. Shackleton's dangerous journey to South Georgia for help was a remarkable feat of courage and leadership.

Aug 24, 2023 • 22min
#396 | The Extraordinary Life of Kim Dotcom: Hacker, Entrepreneur, Fugitive
Internet pioneer or criminal? Explore the extraordinary life of Kim Dotcom, from his early involvement with computers to the rise and fall of his controversial website Megaupload.com. Learn about his legal troubles, dramatic police raid, and the ongoing extradition battle.

4 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 21min
#394 | What Is Hell?
Explore the concept of hell in different religions, including its interpretations in ancient Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic beliefs. Discover Dante's Inferno and the ethical implications of the "Problem of Hell." Get alternative perspectives from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism where hell is absent.

Aug 10, 2023 • 18min
#392 | Homes, Homelessness & Evolving English
As time goes by, language continues to evolve.
In this episode, we explore the question of evolving English, and the specific question of how we refer to people without a permanent and stable place to live, as this example highlights the politicisation of language.
Language's purpose: communicate information between people
Language changes over time, often for political reasons
Referring to people without a permanent home
Difference between "house" and "home"
"Homeless" as the most commonly used term
Push to replace "homeless" with "houseless" or "unhoused"
Critics argue "homeless" implies streets are a legitimate home
Question of whether it matters to homeless individuals
Homelessness is a complex issue
Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/evolving-english
---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

Aug 3, 2023 • 28min
#390 | Edward VIII | The King Who Said No
He was King of Britain, but only for 325 days before dramatically quitting the job to be with the woman he loved.
But was it the ultimate love story, or was it an act of treason and selfishness?
Edward VIII: King of Britain for 325 days
Love story or treason and selfishness?
The message that shocked the British public
Early life and rise to the throne
Edward's reputation as a dandy and playboy
Disapproval from the Prime Minister and King George V
Edward meets Wallis Simpson
Challenges with marrying Wallis Simpson
Edward's abdication and life after leaving the throne
Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/edward-viii
---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

Jul 27, 2023 • 21min
#388 | Vardy vs. Rooney | The Battle Of The Footballers’ Wives
It was a fierce football rivalry fought not on the pitch but on social media and at the High Courts of Justice in London. In this episode, we'll delve into the fierce rivalry between football wives Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, the libel case that followed, and the rise of WAG culture in Britain. The cult of the “wag”Who were Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy?Coleen Rooney’s revelation The feud between Coleen Rooney & Rebekah VardyRebekah Vardy takes Coleen Rooney to courtTrademarking Wagatha Christie Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/vardy-vs-rooney
---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

Jul 20, 2023 • 26min
#386 | The Creation of The Modern Office
From cramped cubicles to collaborative open-plan setups, a lot has changed since the creation of the modern office – but it doesn't stop there. In this episode, we'll be exploring the question of why and how the modern office was created and look at some of the developments that led us to this place. The concept of the modern office and its prevalence worldwideThe historical absence of dedicated indoor workspacesThe emergence of the first large offices in the late 17th and early 18th centuriesThe Old Admiralty Office and its significance as the headquarters of the British NavyThe paperwork-dominated tasks of early officesThe impact of the typewriter on office work and the increased presence of women in officesThe layout of offices during the typewriter eraThe invention of the cubicle and its popularity in office designAlternative office arrangements, including open-plan offices and their criticisms Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/modern-office
---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

Jul 13, 2023 • 23min
#384 | Napoleon Bonaparte
He is a figure who, 200 years after his death, is still held as an example of the glories of France.In this episode, we'll talk about the rise and fall of Napoleon, the establishment of the French empire, and Napoleon's complex legacy. Early life and Corsican heritageRise to power during the French Revolutionary WarsMilitary successes and establishment of the French EmpireNapoleon as a strategic geniusThe disastrous invasion of Russia and downfallExile and brief return to powerDefeat at the Battle of Waterloo and final exileComplex legacy and varying views on Napoleon Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/napoleon
---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