

Thinking in English
Thomas Wilkinson
Thinking in English is a podcast designed for intermediate and advanced English learners.I believe that thinking is an incredibly important step on the road fluency, and this podcast is going to help you achieve this by discussing topics ranging from politics and economics, to philosophy and science.Rather than "learning English", Thinking in English focuses on "learning in English."Learn something new, listen to something interesting, and improve your English at the same time!Conversation Clubs, bonus episodes, and more on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglishMy 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

Jan 25, 2023 • 24min
202. Why Did Jacinda Ardern Resign as Prime Minister of New Zealand? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/25/why-did-jacinda-ardern-resign-as-prime-minister-of-new-zealand/
Jacinda Ardern, the well-known Prime Minister of New Zealand, has resigned after five years in the job. From mass shootings and Covid-19, to having a baby in office, Ardern dealt with many issues and became popular around the world. Today, let’s discuss why Ardern resigned as Prime Minister while learning some new vocabulary.
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Vocabulary
Anti-vax (adj) - Opposing or refusing vaccination. Many anti-vax activists believe that vaccinations are dangerous
Progressive (adj) - Favouring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform, especially social or political reform. The progressive movement has been pushing for greater social and economic equality
Deputy (n) - A person appointed or elected to act as the substitute or representative of another. The deputy mayor will be in charge while the mayor is away on vacation.
To criticise (v) - To express disapproval of; to find fault with; to judge adversely; to censure. The critics were quick to criticise the new play for its lack of depth
Empathy (n) - The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. The therapist showed empathy towards her patient who was going through a difficult time
To applaud (v) - showing approval, praise or admiration through actions or words. She was applauded for her response to the crisis, as many felt she handled it with grace and poise
Handling (n) - The action of managing or dealing with something or someone. The handling of the crisis by the government was criticized by many experts.
Enough in the tank (phrase) - Sufficient amount of energy or resources to complete a task or maintain a particular level of performance. I'm feeling good today, I think I've got enough in the tank to run this marathon
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Jan 23, 2023 • 21min
201. How Did We Fix the Ozone Layer? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/23/how-did-we-fix-the-ozone-layer/
In the 1980s, the world was terrified by the threat of holes in the ozone layer. Today, these holes are almost gone. How did this happen? How did humans heal the ozone layer? And are there any lessons we could learn from this?
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Vocabulary
Ozone (n) - a colourless gas that is a form of oxygen. The ozone layer absorbs radiation from the sun
Atmosphere (n) - the mixture of gases around the earth. These factories are releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere
Stratosphere (n) - a layer in the upper atmosphere of a planet where the temperature increases with height. The ash cloud rose 35km into the stratosphere
Radiation (n) - energy in the form of waves or particles. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer
CFC (n) - abbreviation for chlorofluorocarbon: a gas used in fridges and, in the past, in aerosols. CFCs cause damage to the ozone layer
Molecule (n) - the smallest unit into which a substance can be divided without chemical change, usually a group of two or more atoms. An ozone molecule contains three oxygen atoms
Protocol (n) - a formal international agreement. The Geneva Protocol of 1925 prohibits the use of poisonous gases in war.
To ratify (v) - (especially of governments or organizations) to make an agreement official. Many countries have now ratified the UN convention on the rights of the child.
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Jan 18, 2023 • 22min
200. What is Quiet Quitting?: KEY Workplace Vocabulary Terms From 2022 (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/18/key-workplace-vocabulary-terms-from-2022/
What is quiet quitting? How about productivity paranoia? Or career cushioning? Today, I want to talk about some essential vocabulary terms from 2022 that describe the way we work and our workplaces!
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Jan 16, 2023 • 27min
199. The Wealthiest People in History! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/16/199-the-wealthiest-people-in-history-english-vocabulary-lesson/
Last week I talked about Mansa Musa, an African King with indescribable wealth. Today, I’m going to discuss more of the wealthiest people in history – from the Emperors of Song Dynasty China, Rome, and the Mughal Empire, to American Industrialists John D Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Let’s listen, learn, and practice our English!
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Vocabulary List
Worth (adj) - having a particular value, especially in money
Our house is worth £200,000.
Equivalent (adj) - having the same amount, value, purpose, qualities, etc
She's doing the equivalent job in the new company but for more money
Output (n) - an amount of something produced by a person, machine, factory, country, etc
Last year manufacturing output fell by 14 percent
Extravagant (adj) - spending too much money, or using too much of something
He had the extravagant lifestyle of a movie star
Invest (v) - to put money into something to make a profit
The institute will invest five million in the project
To finance (v) - to provide the money needed for something to happen
The city council has refused to finance the project
Monopoly (n) - (an organization or group that has) complete control of something, especially an area of business, so that others have no share
There are laws to stop companies becoming monopolies
To fund (v) - to provide the money to pay for an event, activity, or organization
The company has agreed to fund my trip to Australia
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Jan 11, 2023 • 22min
198. Who was the Richest Person in History? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/11/who-was-the-richest-person-in-history/
Who was the richest person in history? Today I want to tell you all about an African Emperor who had levels of wealth considered unbelievable and incomprehensible! Let’s learn while practicing our English!
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Vocabulary List
Net worth (n) - the value of the assets (= property and money) that a person or business has, after any debts are taken away
He has a net worth of about £70 million.
Wealth (n) - a large amount of money or valuable possessions that someone has
During a successful business career, she accumulated a great amount of wealth
Value (n) - the amount of money that can be received for something
What is the value of the prize?
To estimate (v) - to guess or calculate the cost, size, value, etc. of something
They estimate (that) the journey will take at least two weeks
Incomprehensible (adj) - impossible or extremely difficult to understand
The student’s essay was almost incomprehensible
From head to toe (idiom) - completely covering your body
The dog was covered in mud from head to toe
Generous (adj) - willing to give money, help, kindness, etc., especially more than is usual or expected
He was a very generous man
Renowned (adj) – famous for something
The region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty
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Jan 9, 2023 • 18min
197. What is Imposter Syndrome and How to Overcome it?
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/09/what-is-imposter-syndrome-and-how-to-overcome-it/
Today I want to talk about imposter syndrome. This is a condition that has affected me and affects millions of language learners every year. I want to explain it, discuss its causes and signs, and offer you all some tips on how to cope and overcome such imposter feelings!
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Jan 4, 2023 • 21min
196. The Best New Year’s Resolutions for English Learners!
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/04/the-best-new-years-resolutions-for-english-learners/
What is your New Year’s Resolution? Let’s talk about how to make a great English learning goal for 2023 and how to keep your resolution all year!
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Jan 2, 2023 • 22min
195. Why is it 2023?? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2023/01/02/why-is-it-2023/
Welcome to the first Thinking in English episode of 2023! Or… is it really 2023? Let’s discuss this history of calendars, time, and dates on today’s episode (and practice your listening comprehension and vocabulary skills at the same time)!
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Vocabulary List
Take for granted (phrase) - to believe something to be the truth without even thinking about it
I guess we all took it for granted that water would always be freely available
Solar (adj) – of or from the sun
I want to build a solar power car
Lunar (adj) – of or relating to the moon
The lunar rover landed safely on the moon
Approximately (adv) - close to a particular number or time although not exactly that number or time
The job will take approximately three weeks, and cost approximately £1,000
Breakthrough (n) - an important discovery or event that helps to improve a situation or provide an answer to a problem
Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in the search for a cure for cancer
Drift (v) - to move slowly, especially as a result of outside forces, with no control over direction
No one noticed that the boat had begun to drift out to sea
Divisible (adj) – meaning that can be divided by another number
A prime number is only divisible by 1 and itself
Official (adj) - agreed to or arranged by people in positions of authority
The official opening of the store is next week
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Dec 21, 2022 • 26min
194. What is the Weirdest Holiday Tradition? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/12/21/what-is-the-weirdest-holiday-tradition/
Christmas and New Year are popular holidays celebrated across the world. Today, I want to talk about some of the more unusual ways to celebrate during the winter season. What is the weirdest holiday tradition?
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Vocabulary List
Tradition (n) - a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time
It is a western tradition for brides to wear white.
Weird (adj) - very strange and unusual, unexpected, or not natural
Her boyfriend's a bit weird but she's nice.
Unique (adj) – being unusual or special in some way
I'd recognize your handwriting anywhere - it's unique.
To decorate (v) - to add something to an object or place, especially in order to make it more attractive
He decorated his Christmas tree with lights and stars
To poop (v) - to pass solid waste from the body
Your dog pooped outside my house
Mischief (n) – behaviour that is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage
He needs a hobby to keep him busy and stop him from getting into mischief.
Oblivious (adj) - not conscious of something, especially what is happening around you
He was oblivious to his friend’s feelings
Obscure (adj) - not known to many people
He only like obscure band
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Dec 19, 2022 • 22min
193. What Happened in 2022?
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TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/12/19/what-happened-in-2022/
What happened in 2022? How much do you remember about the previous year? Today I’m going to go through every major event that occurred in 2022! Listen, learn, and practice your English!
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