English Learning for Curious Minds

From The Vault 🔐 — normally a member-only episode, unlocked this month for everyone.--It's a gripping battle of David vs. Goliath: a cattle farmer and a lawyer against DuPont, a massive chemical company. Discover how Rob Bilott uncovered a shocking environmental scandal, battled corporate giants, and revealed the hidden dangers of the "forever chemicals" found in non-stick pans.The rise of Teflon and DuPont's global success Wilbur Tennant's dying cows near a DuPont landfill Lawyer Rob Bilott takes on Tennant's case Discovery of chemical PFOA linked to Teflon DuPont knew about PFOA dangers since the 1960s Bilott files federal lawsuit for Tennant in 1999 Class-action lawsuit initiated by Rob Bilott in 2001 2011-2012 study links PFOA to several diseases DuPont's settlements: millions to affected residents Ongoing legal battle against "forever chemicals"👉 Follow along with the interactive transcript, subtitles, and study pack — free, no registration required: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/teflons-secret --🔓 And if you’d like to unlock our entire catalogue (550+ episodes), along with interactive transcripts, instant translations, and study packs, check out membership at https://bit.ly/FromTheVault2025

 Was Ross Ulbricht a visionary pioneer or a dangerous criminal?   In part one of our series on "Young American Outlaws", we explore the rise and fall of the Silk Road and how Ulbricht's life sentence, followed by a 2025 presidential pardon, sparked fierce debate over freedom, technology, and the role of government.  Ross Ulbricht's LinkedIn clue The concept behind The Silk Road Cryptocurrency's role in anonymity The structure of The Silk Road Unexpected listings and control issues Federal agents' Silk Road investigation The arrest of Ross Ulbricht Charges and the trial Sentencing and pardoning The wider debate on personal freedom Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/silk-road ---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

 Ever wondered how the (podcast) sausage is made?  In this slightly "meta" episode, I reveal the step-by-step process to make an episode of English Learning for Curious Minds.  Choosing podcast topics: interest, timelessness, and neutrality Avoiding controversial topics and current affairs Researching topics through books, articles, and data Writing full scripts for natural conversation flow Using a variety of vocabulary for diverse learners Rewriting scripts after initial recordings Aiming for 20-minute episodes, 2,500-3,000-word scripts Incorporating AI tools for brainstorming and editing Results from our 2025 listener survey Thank you! Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/how-i-make-podcast-episodes ---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

 Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, was shocked to read his own obituary branding him the "merchant of death."   While the story might not be entirely true, it pushed him to reconsider his legacy.   His fortune went on to establish the Nobel Prizes, honouring achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace, ensuring his name is remembered for contributions to humanity.  Overview of the Nobel Prize Alfred Nobel's mistaken obituary Nobel's early life and education Invention of dynamite and its impacts Nobel's relationship with Bertha von Suttner Creation of the Nobel Prize in his will Outcomes and controversies of the Nobel Prize Notable Nobel laureates Controversial Nobel Peace Prize awards Legacy of Alfred Nobel Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/nobel-prize ---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

 In part one of a three-part mini-series on the theme of citizenship and identity, we'll ask ourselves, "What makes someone Italian?"  We'll explore the topic of citizenship and identity in Italy, and see what the current laws tell us about what it means to be (or not to be) Italian.  Definitions of jus soli and jus sanguinis Italy's citizenship rules and marriage eligibility Referendum on easing Italy's citizenship rules Italy's low birth rate and demographic challenges Immigration's influence on Italy's citizenship debates Opposition arguments against easing citizenship rules Result of Italy’s citizenship referendum Comparison with Germany and France's citizenship laws Discussion on Italian citizenship by ancestry Debate on the meaning of citizenship in Italy Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/italian-identity ---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

 Hannibal of Carthage, one of history's greatest military strategists, almost brought the Roman Republic to its knees.   As a boy, he swore eternal enmity against Rome, leading him to cross the Alps with his diverse army and elephants, stunning the Romans.   Despite his victories, he never managed to capture Rome, but his legacy of brilliance and determination remains.  Hannibal's vow to hate Rome forever Hannibal's upbringing and education in military tactics The First Punic War and Carthage's defeat Hannibal's march across the Alps into Italy Hannibal's diverse and strategic army composition Key victories at the Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae Rome's Fabian Strategy to counter Hannibal Hannibal's defeat at the Battle of Zama Hannibal's later life and exile Hannibal's enduring legacy and impact on military strategy Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/hannibal ---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

 Meet Mobutu Sese Seko, the man who rose from a lowly army officer to become the autocratic ruler of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.   Wearing his signature leopard-skin hat, Mobutu rebranded the country as Zaire and himself as a symbol of African pride.   Despite his charismatic persona and lavish lifestyle, his regime left the country impoverished, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and corruption.  Mobutu Sese Seko's rise to power in Congo Congo's harsh colonial history under Belgian rule Mobutu's involvement in Patrice Lumumba's downfall Mobutu's 1965 coup and 32-year rule Renaming Congo to Zaire and introducing the Authenticité movement Mobutu's repressive regime and personality cult Corruption and Mobutu's embezzlement of state funds Economic decline and dependency on foreign aid Mobutu's fall from power and death in exile Mobutu's enduring legacy in modern-day DRC Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mobutu-sese-seko ---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

 In this episode, we'll explore the complex world of minimum wage laws, from their surprising origins in Australia and New Zealand to modern debates around their effectiveness.   Do they protect the lowest-paid workers, or do they do more damage than good?  History of the minimum wage globally Early minimum wage laws in Australia and New Zealand Introduction of minimum wage in the UK and the US Arguments for and against minimum wage Impact of the minimum wage on businesses Regional variations in minimum wage Alternatives to the minimum wage Minimum wage and wage growth in the UK Comparison of minimum wage with skilled jobs Political perspectives on the minimum wage Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/minimum-wage ---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

 In 2011, Egypt erupted in protest, toppling a 30-year regime.What began as a grassroots movement against an autocratic leader turned into a complex struggle for democracy and power.In this episode, we'll travel through the events that led from the hopeful dawn of revolution to the military's return to power, and see how social media and global events played pivotal roles in shaping modern Egypt.Egypt's conditions ripe for revolution in 2011 Hosni Mubarak's rule and use of emergency laws Impact of Tunisian Revolution on Egypt Rise of protests on Egyptian Police Day 2011 Role of social media in Egyptian protests Mubarak's resignation and military's interim government Muslim Brotherhood's rise and Morsi's presidency Morsi's overreach and public dissatisfaction Army's intervention and Sisi's rise to power Repression and return to authoritarian rule under Sisi Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/egyptian-revolution ---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

 In this episode, we'll explore the eerie events of the Salem Witch Trials, a chilling tale of suspicion, fear, and injustice in 17th-century Massachusetts.  Discover how a village turned against itself, leading to the execution of innocent people amidst accusations of witchcraft, and consider the theories behind what really happened. The harsh winter of 1692 in Massachusetts Puritans' fear of the devil and witchcraft Witch accusations in Salem Village Tituba's confession and impact Spectral evidence in Salem court trials Tragic outcomes of the witch trials Ergot fungus and mass hysteria theories Social tensions and personal vendettas in Salem Aftermath and attempts to right wrongs Exoneration of Elizabeth Johnson Jr. in 2022 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/salem-witch-trialsEpisode about The History of Witches: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/witches"Weird history" episodes: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcast-tags/weird-history"Horror" episodes: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcast-tags/horrorW ---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

 In part one of this three-part mini-series, we'll explore the captivating life of T.E. Lawrence, the British archaeologist and army officer known as "Lawrence of Arabia."  Discover how he fought alongside Arabian tribesmen during World War I in their quest for independence, all while knowing an uncomfortable secret. The early life and interests of T.E. Lawrence Lawrence's work as an archaeologist in the Middle East The Ottoman Empire and World War I context Lawrence's role with Arab forces against Ottomans The strategy of guerrilla warfare and victory at Aqaba Lawrence's experience and trauma in Deraa The broken promises of the Sykes-Picot Agreement Lawrence's return to Britain and later life The lasting impact of Lawrence on the Middle East Varied perceptions of T.E. Lawrence's legacy Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/lawrence-arabia ---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

 In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of perfume, tracing its journey from Ancient Mesopotamia to its artistic development in France.   We'll learn how scents have evolved from practical uses to luxury items, and discover the intriguing world of “grands nez,” the master perfumers who dedicate their lives to crafting these aromatic masterpieces.  Perfume origins: from Mesopotamia to Middle Eastern innovation Ancient perfume use: religious rituals and practical odour cover Egypt: Perfume as a status symbol in hot climates Cleopatra and the power of scent Roman perfume indulgence and imported fragrances French perfume evolution: From leather gloves to luxury Grasse: The perfume capital of the world Why perfume is expensive: ingredients and branding Becoming a "grand nez": the perfumer's journey Perfume's artistic and historical significance across cultures Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/perfume ---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

 In this episode, we'll explore the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.   Discover how he turned a fragmented resistance into a national movement, established a secular republic from imperial ruins, and why he’s still called "The Father of the Turks."  Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's famous 36-hour speech, Nutuk Decline and Fall of the Ottoman Empire Reasons for the Ottoman Empire's decline The Ottoman Empire's defeat in World War I Mustafa Kemal's rise as a military leader Turkish War of Independence overview Establishment of the Republic of Turkey Atatürk's radical reforms and modernisation Introduction of secularism and language reform Legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mustafa-kemal-ataturk ---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

In this episode of Thinking in English, host Tom Wilkinson explores the past perfect continuous tense, using the 2008 financial crisis as a case study. The episode covers the grammar rules and structures of the past perfect continuous tense, emphasising its usage to describe actions that started in the past, continued for some time, and were ongoing or just finished before another event. The lesson includes in-depth examples and concludes with a discussion on Michael Burry, who had been predicting the financial collapse for years.LinksWebsite - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/Study Pack - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish/shop/study-packs-past-present-and-future-807289TiE Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/thinkinginenglishFind Out More - https://linktr.ee/thinkinginenglishpod00:00 Introduction01:39 Grammar Lesson04:42 Financial Crisis and Past Perfect Continuous10:56 Final Thought

 In this episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Percy Fawcett, a daring British explorer who vanished in the Amazon rainforest while searching for the mythical city he called "Z."   Often compared to a real-life Indiana Jones, Fawcett's life was filled with adventure, mystery, and a relentless quest to prove the Amazon held secrets beyond our imagination.  Percy Fawcett: Real-life Indiana Jones Fawcett's early life and aristocratic background His fascination with exploration and adventure His expeditions in the Amazon rainforest Fawcett's quest for the lost city "Z" Impact of World War I on Fawcett's views 1925 expedition disappearance with son and friend Various theories on Fawcett's mysterious fate Legacy and influence of Percy Fawcett's explorations The possible existence of advanced Amazon civilisations Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/percy-fawcett ---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

A woman has a loving husband and children, and she's great at her job. So why is she sad? One day, she opens the freezer door and sees the way into another world. If she goes, she will lose her husband and children. But could she be happy there?Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Door for the full transcript.Level: Beginner.Genre: Philosophical.Vocabulary: Freeze, Freezer, Cheek, Pick at, Kid, Nightmare, Gooseberry, Cliff, Sober, Weigh something up, Parallel universe.Setting: Modern.Word Count: 1517.Author: Ariel Goodbody.

 In this episode, we'll explore the fascinating history of mercenaries, taking you from the era of Italian condottieri to the modern day with groups like Blackwater and Wagner.   You'll learn how these soldiers for hire have evolved, the reasons nations use or avoid them, and their impact on 21st-century warfare.  What are mercenaries? Definition and historical context. Origins and role of freelance knights in Medieval Europe. Renaissance Italy: The rise of the condottieri. Impact and decline of the condottieri. Blackwater: A modern private military company. Private Military Contractors and international law issues. The Wagner Group and its ties to Russia. Wagner's global influence and alleged war crimes. Mercenaries in business and war: Ethical dilemmas. Future of warfare with mercenary involvement. Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mercenaries ---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

 Leap years help keep our calendars in sync with Earth's orbit, but have you ever wondered why we need them?   In this episode, we explore the history of leap years, covering early human calendars, Julius Caesar's reforms, and the adjustments introduced by Pope Gregory XIII.  Why do we need leap years? Earth's orbit and the solar year explained How the first calendars were created Egyptian and Roman calendar systems The Julian calendar's introduction of leap years Inaccuracies in Caesar's calendar calculations The Gregorian calendar and its leap-year rule Challenges in adopting the Gregorian calendar Alternative calendar systems proposed over time The impossibility of changing Earth's orbit for an exact year Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/science-leap-years ---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

 In this episode, we will explore Vladimir Putin's unlikely journey from a rat-catching streetfighter to the modern-day tsar of Russia.   We'll look at his rise to power, some of the accusations about what it took to get there, the key decisions that have defined his 25-year rule, and question how history will remember his legacy.  Vladimir Putin's early life and rise to power Siege of Leningrad during World War Two Putin's upbringing in poverty and street life Putin's early interest in the KGB Putin's political career and rise in St Petersburg Connections and corruption allegations in early political life Putin becomes Russia's Prime Minister in 1999 Controversy surrounding the 1999 apartment bombings Consolidation of power and suppression of opposition Putin's use of poison to eliminate opponents Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/putin-modern-tsar ---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

 In this episode, we'll learn about the notorious Stanford Prison Experiment, known for revealing human behaviour's dark side in simulated prison conditions.   We'll discuss its purpose, dramatic events, the ethical concerns it raised, and question what it truly tells us about human nature.  Purpose of the Stanford Prison Experiment Recruitment and setup of the experiment Guards' roles and behaviour Prisoners' arrest and treatment Escalating conflict and rebellion Psychological impact on participants Christina Maslach's intervention Ethical criticisms and flaws Impact on psychology and debates Lessons on human behaviour and power dynamics Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/stanford-prison-experiment ---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