Thinking in English

Discover the hidden complexities of Christmas Island, a place with a cheerful name but a challenging history. From brutal colonial mining operations and the exploitation of migrant workers to wartime occupations and controversial refugee policies, this episode dives deep into its past. Learn about the island's stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife, juxtaposed with tales of hardship and resilience. It's a captivating exploration of a location often overlooked, revealing the stark contrasts between its festive facade and dark history.

What does it mean to live in a post-truth society? Misinformation spreads rapidly, often overshadowing facts as emotions take precedence over evidence. The rise of social media has led to echo chambers that diminish trust in institutions. Real-world examples, from Brexit to COVID-19, illustrate how emotional narratives can manipulate opinions. Deepfakes complicate our search for authenticity. Yet, there’s hope: promoting media literacy and critical thinking can empower individuals to discern truth from falsehood.

Dive into the life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematical genius from India. Discover how a single book inspired his extraordinary talent despite facing poverty and societal challenges. Hear about his groundbreaking collaboration with G.H. Hardy in England and the cultural hurdles he overcame. Explore his major contributions, including enigmatic primes and functions, and ponder whether mathematics itself can be classified as a science. Ramanujan's legacy continues to influence modern mathematics and provoke thought about the nature of science.

Explore the complexities of the European Union, from its ambitious origins post-WWII to its core principles and main institutions. Delve into the differences between the Eurozone and the Schengen Area, highlighting the EU's successes in promoting peace and economic growth. Discuss criticisms around bureaucracy and democratic deficits, alongside the reasons behind Brexit. Finally, consider the future of the EU, including challenges and potential paths for deeper integration and expansion.

Discover the fascinating history of Mexico City, from its origins as the Aztec capital Tenochtitlán to its transformation under Spanish rule. Learn about key vocabulary like 'metropolis' and 'resilience' while exploring stunning engineering feats like causeways and aqueducts. Delve into the impact of Hernán Cortés, the effects of disease, and the social dynamics of colonial times. The podcast also highlights the Mexican Revolution and modern challenges, showcasing the city's rich cultural identity and enduring adaptability.

Try the Lingoda Sprint Today! 20 EUR OFF with code 20THINKING or click the link ⁠⁠https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingAugust ⁠⁠ The Collins Dictionary Word of the Year is… Vibe Coding! In this Thinking in English episode, I’m going to define and explain the term vibe coding and talk about why it was chosen as the Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary. I’ll also discuss some of the other contenders and runners up for the 2025 Word of the Year, including Broligarchy, Task Masking, and Micro-Retirement. These are interesting words and are connected to some fascinating changes and problems in modern society! Conversation Club - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TRANSCRIPT - ⁠https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2025/11/17/362-what-is-the-2025-word-of-the-year-english-vocabulary-lesson/ AD Free Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking in English Bonus Podcast -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Editing Software (Affiliate Link) - https://descript.cello.so/BgOK9XOfQdD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Borough by Blue Dot Sessions Contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media podcast network.⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the fascinating world of idioms, euphemisms, and slang! Learn how phrases like 'kick the bucket' can baffle learners yet enrich conversations. Dive into the cultural significance of idioms and see how they vary across languages. Explore euphemisms that soften harsh truths and their opposite, dysphemisms. Get insights into the rapidly evolving nature of slang and the importance of context in learning these expressions. Ultimately, find out why recognition of these phrases may be more beneficial for language learners.

Discover the rich identity of Wales, a small country with a vibrant culture, language, and history. Learn about its unique geography, including stunning landscapes and national parks. Delve into the historical influences shaping Wales, from Roman times to the industrial boom. Explore the revival of the Welsh language and its distinct Celtic roots. Uncover Wales's cultural contributions and the challenges it faces today, including political movements and economic disparities. Gain insights into what truly makes Wales a proud and unique part of the UK.

Dive into the eerie origins of vampire lore, from ancient myths to medieval fears. Discover how figures like Vlad the Impaler shaped our nightmares. Explore the shift of vampires in literature from terrifying to romanticized icons. Uncover the societal fears these creatures embody, evolving through time. Gain insight into the term 'vampire' and its linguistic journey into English. Finally, learn the psychological reasons behind our fascination with blood-drinking monsters, reflecting our deepest fears and desires.

Explore the legendary founding of Rome through the myth of Romulus and Remus. Discover how the city transitioned from a monarchy to a republic and the significant events leading to its transformation into a powerful empire under Augustus. Learn about impressive Roman engineering, law, and its cultural legacy. Delve into the Renaissance's revival and Baroque enhancements that shaped modern Rome. Finally, reflect on why Rome is deemed the Eternal City, balancing its rich history with contemporary challenges.