

Thinking in English
Thomas Wilkinson
Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary.
I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.
Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.
Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Visit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/
Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.
I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.
Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.
Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Visit the website: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/
Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 29, 2023 • 22min
237. What is a Failed State? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
English Learning for Curious Minds - https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts
Episode on FIFA Corruption - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yst73JE1n8z0NcRaed43l?si=MK6D634iTq2efltBNY_M5Q
What is a “failed state”? Let’s look at some definitions, characterisitcs, and examples of “failed states”, and then discuss whether South Africa could be considered to be failing!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/29/237-what-is-a-failed-state/
My Links
7 DAY FREE TRIAL CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Support the Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
Corruption (n) - illegal, bad, or dishonest behaviour, especially by people in positions of power.
Authority (n) - the moral or legal right or ability to control.
Goods (n) - items that satisfy human wants and provide utility.
Fragile (adj) - easily destroyed, ended, or made to fail.
Instability (n) - uncertainty caused by the possibility of a sudden change in the present situation.
To exacerbate (v) - to make something that is already bad even worse.
Blackout (n) - when there is no light or power because of an electricity failure.
Incompetent (adj) - not having the ability to do something as it should be done.
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May 24, 2023 • 26min
236. What is the 10,000 Hour Rule? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Recently I’ve seen a lot of people online talking about the 10,000 Hour Rule. Today, I’m going to look at the rule, the evidence for and against it, and discuss how all of you listening can apply the 10,000-hour rule to learning English!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/24/236-what-is-the-10000-hour-rule/
My Links
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
Mastery (n) - Achieving a high level of skill or expertise in a particular field.
Deliberate practice (phrase) - Focused and intentional effort to improve specific aspects of a skill.
Comfort zone (phrase) - The level of difficulty or familiarity within which a person feels at ease.
Second nature (phrase) - Something that has become so natural and instinctive that it feels effortless.
To propel (v) - to drive or push forward; cause progress or advancement.
Sustained effort (phrase) - Consistent and continuous application of energy or resources.
Multifaceted (adj) - Having many different aspects or elements.
Knack (n) - A natural skill or talent for doing something.
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May 22, 2023 • 22min
235. Why is Hollywood on Strike?: Hollywood Writer’s Strike Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Listen to Simple English News Daily - https://www.send7.org/
Check out the latest episode of Simple English News Daily - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QctJjCUuHefLzeZWDoXqc?si=d381def2ae9a4cb8
Hollywood’s writers are on strike. Shows have stopped, scripts are going unwritten, and there is no sign of an end. Let’s discuss the reasons behind the strike and the potential consequences on today’s episode!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/22/235-why-is-hollywood-on-strike-hollywood-writers-strike-explained/
My Links
JOIN THE CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Support the Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
Strike (n) - a period of time when workers refuse to work because of an argument with an employer about working conditions, pay levels, or job losses.
Studio (n) - a building or place where films are made, or a company that makes them.
To walk out (phrasal v) - to stop working or leave your job because of a disagreement with your employer.
Script (n) - the words of a film, play, broadcast, or speech.
Union (n) - an organization that represents the people who work in a particular industry, protects their rights, and discusses their pay and working conditions with employers.
Compensation (n) - the combination of money and other benefits (= rewards) that an employee receives for doing their job.
Residual (n) - a payment made to an actor, singer, writer, etc. for repeated uses of their work.
Season (n) - one of several series of television programmes with the same title and the same characters.
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May 17, 2023 • 20min
234. How Did India Become the Most Populous Country? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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India is now the most populous country. Today, let’s discuss how this happened, the numbers behind India’s growth, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for the country in the future!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/17/234-how-did-india-become-the-most-populous-country/
My Links
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
Populous (adj) - A populous country, area, or place has a lot of people living in it.
Demographic (adj) - relating to demography (= the study of populations and the different groups that make them up)
Estimated (adj) - roughly calculated or approximate.
Ageing (adj) - relating to getting older and used to describe a person or thing that is getting old.
Fertility rate (n) - the average number of children that would be born to a female over their lifetime.
Geopolitics (n) - the way a country's size, position, etc. influence its power and its relationships with other countries.
Talent pool (n) - the suitable, skilled people who are available to be chosen to do a particular type of job.
Workforce (n) - the group of people who work in a company, industry, country, etc.
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May 15, 2023 • 21min
233. How to Speak Confidently in English?
English Learning for Curious Minds - https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts
Episode on New York's 5 Families from English Learning for Curious Minds - https://open.spotify.com/episode/42kVdvPr5SQsEABwVcjxDd?si=HRtVwbYUQgethG94lkSkHw
Do you struggle to speak confidently in English? In this episode, I’ll explore practical tips and strategies to help you build your confidence and improve your speaking skills in English, so you can communicate with ease and confidence!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/15/233-how-to-speak-confidently-in-english/
My Links
JOIN THE CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Support the Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
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May 10, 2023 • 33min
232. What is the Best Method to Improve Your English Reading Ability?
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What is the best method to improve your English reading ability? Let’s try to answer this question by looking at some of the most popular and scientific approaches to improve you comprehension, efficiency, and reading speed!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/10/232-what-is-the-best-method-to-improve-your-english-reading-ability/
My Links
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Timestamps
00:00 Patreon
00:30 Introduction
01:27 Main Section
29:07 Conclusion
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May 8, 2023 • 24min
231. Unique Coronation Traditions From Around the World! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
Support the Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
From a crown mounted with the embroidered head of a raven, to drinking mildly narcotic beverages, to water collected from rivers at a specific time, there are a lot of unique and sometimes strange coronation ceremonies around the world. Let’s learn about a few today!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/08/unique-coronation-traditions-from-around-the-world/
My Links
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
Symbol (n) - a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else.
Sacred (adj) - considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection with a god.
Enthronement (n) - the act of putting a king, queen, etc. through the ceremony of sitting on a throne (= chair used in ceremonies) in order to mark the official beginning of their period in power.
Purification (n) - in some religions, the act of removing from a person, usually by a ceremony, the bad effects that they are suffering.
To revere (v) - to very much respect and admire someone or something.
Deity (n) - a god or goddess.
Dignitary (n) - a person who has an important position in a society.
To bless (v) - to call or make someone or something holy.
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May 3, 2023 • 19min
230. What is King Charles’ Coronation? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Check Out English Learning for Curious Minds - https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts
English Learning for Curious Minds Latest Episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aWd4u5UeB1X3BVDkGwgvB?si=T_JLRk2TRU2ZNrUtNbibFA
On May 6th, the coronation of King Charles III will be held in London. Let’s discuss the events, ceremonies, and vocabulary you need to know about Charles’ coronation!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/03/what-is-king-charles-coronation/
My Links
JOIN THE CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
To crown (v) - to put a crown on someone's head in an official ceremony that makes that person king or queen.
Accession (n) - the time when someone starts a position of authority, especially a king or queen,
Throne (n) - the special chair used by a king or queen, and the state of being a ruler.
To anoint (v) - to make someone king or queen, especially as part of a religious ceremony.
Regalia (n) - official and traditional special clothes and decorations, especially those worn or carried in formal ceremonies.
Carriage (n) - a vehicle with four wheels that is usually pulled by horses and was used mainly in the past.
Congregation (n) - a group of people who have come together in a religious building for worship and prayer.
Homage (n) - deep respect and often praise shown for a person or god.
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May 1, 2023 • 17min
229. Thinking Long-Term: The Key to Successful Language Learning?
LINGODA'S Language Sprint -
https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingEnglishPodcast_Sprint
Use code THINKINGENGLISH20 for $20 off! -
https://try.lingoda.com/ThinkingEnglishPodcast_Sprint
Today I want to discuss the benefits of long-term thinking and planning when it comes to language learning!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/05/01/thinking-long-term-the-key-to-successful-language-learning/
My Links
JOIN THE CONVERSATION CLUB -- https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/)
Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
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Apr 26, 2023 • 24min
228. Most Famous Political Assassinations in History! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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What is the most famous political assassination in modern history? Let’s take a look at five infamous assassinations, the leaders who were sadly killed, and the lasting legacies of these traumatic events!
TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/04/26/most-famous-political-assassinations-in-history/
My Links
ENGLISH CLASSES - https://thinkinginenglish.link/
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dashboard
NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast
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Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog
Vocabulary
To assassinate (v) - to kill someone famous or important.
High-profile (adj) - attracting a lot of attention and interest from the public and newspapers, television, etc.
Speculation (n) - the activity of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain.
Mourning (n) - great sadness felt because someone has died.
Exile (n) - the condition of someone being sent or kept away from their own country, village, etc., especially for political reasons.
Cover-up (n) - an attempt to prevent the public from discovering information about a serious crime or mistake.
To depose (v) - to remove someone important from a powerful position.
Assailant (n) - a person who attacks another person.
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