PODCAST

English Learning for Curious Minds

Leonardo English

Are you looking for a more interesting way to learn English? English Learning for Curious Minds is where you can learn English from native speakers while learning fascinating things about the world. Every episode comes with a transcript & key vocabulary and is spoken at a speed you can understand. Join listeners from 189 countries and discover the most interesting way to improve your English while expanding your mind. Find the bonus episodes, transcripts, key vocabulary, and learning materials at www.leonardoenglish.com
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Trailer: English Learning for Curious Minds
Trailer: English Learning for Curious Minds
26-11-2019
2 minutos
#214 | Robert Baden-Powell & The Boy Scouts
#214 | Robert Baden-Powell & The Boy Scouts
Within the course of a few years, Robert Baden-Powell created a global movement that united children from all over the world.In this episode, we'll take a look at how he came up with the idea, why it was so appealing, and the legacy that he has left on the world.The early life of Robert Baden-PowellDoing what was expected of an upper-class Englishman in the Victorian eraBaden-Powell in The Boer WarThe Siege of MafekingReturning to the UK a heroThe first-ever scouting tripThe publication of Scouting for BoysThe 1909 Jamboree and the arrival of girl scoutsThe Scouts as a socially-progressive organisationThe appeal of the Boy ScoutsThe Scouts PromiseThe Scouts during World War IThe Scouts in the post-war periodCreating a mass global movement & becoming ​​“Chief Scout of The World”The death of Baden-Powell and his legacyScouting todayThe controversies The Scouts have facedThe future of The ScoutsFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/baden-powell-scouts
6 días atrás
22 minutos
#212 | A Short History of Childhood
#212 | A Short History of Childhood
Although there have always been children, the concept of "childhood" is more recent than many people think, with one French historian declaring that childhood didn't exist until the 17th century.In this episode, we'll explore how ideas of childhood have changed, from John Locke to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, from the English Romantic poets right through to the creation of the teenager in post-war America.What exactly is a child? What is childhood? When do you stop being a child, and for what reasons?Phillipe Ariès: the author of “Centuries of Childhood”Infant mortality in the Medieval eraMedieval ideas of childhoodChildhood in the EnlightenmentJohn Locke's idea of childhood: a tabula rasaJean-Jacques Rousseau's idea of childhood: innate and natural, guided by emotionsThe Romantics on childhood: a blissful innocenceChildhood during the Industrial RevolutionWorking 68 hours a week in Victorian BritainThe Victorians develop children's literatureThe invention of the teenagerChildhood today: better, worse, or just different?Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-childhood
18-11-2021
28 minutos
#210 | The Illogicality of The English Language
#210 | The Illogicality of The English Language
There is a lot about the English language that makes very little sense at all.In this episode we look at some of these illogicalities, paying close attention to homonyms, homographs, homophones, and even something called lonely negatives.How many words are there in English?English: The Mongrel LanguageA quick history of the English language: Anglo-Saxons, Vikings & FrenchThe scribes making English spelling very complicatedThe typesetters introducing new spellingsFinding classical ancestry for words in EnglishConfusing English #1: HomophonesFork candles vs. Four candlesConfusing English #2: HomophonymsConfusing English #3: HomophographsConfusing English #4: Lonely NegativesAn extremely confusing sentenceFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/illogicality-of-english
11-11-2021
22 minutos
#208 | A History of James Bond
#208 | A History of James Bond
He is the most famous spy in the world and has been drinking vodka martinis and driving fast cars since 1952.In this episode, we'll look at the history of 007, his creator Ian Fleming, how Bond has changed over the years, and the fascinating family business behind the UK's most famous special agent.The classic image of James BondIan Fleming: the creator of the James Bond novelsThe first hit: Casino RoyaleHow the James Bond novels are different from the James Bond filmsWhy did he choose the name "James Bond" for 007?The very English death of Ian FlemingWhy Sean Connery was a controversial choice to play James BondRoger Moore, Pierce Brosnan & Daniel CraigHow the James Bond character has changedThe (family) business of James BondThe future of James BondThe accents of James BondJames Bond speaking Russian & GermanFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-james-bond
04-11-2021
24 minutos
#206 | Queen Elizabeth II
#206 | Queen Elizabeth II
She is the longest-serving monarch in British history and has lived through 14 British prime ministers and 13 US presidents.In this episode, we'll take a look at the remarkable life of Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, and ask ourselves how she, the monarchy, and the country have changed since she became queen almost 70 years ago.Why Elizabeth was an unlikely queenKing Edward VIII and his abdicationThe death of King George VIThe young life of ElizabethBecoming queen in 1952The changing world in 1952The personal life of Queen ElizabethHow much do we actually know about her views?How has the British monarchy changed since she took the throne?Is Queen Elizabeth still popular in Britain?The controversies of Queen Elizabeth1992: her "annus horribilis"Recent controversies: Windsor Castle, Diana, Harry & Meghan, Prince AndrewThe language of Queen Elizabeth: "The Queen's English"Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/queen-elizabeth-ii
28-10-2021
27 minutos
#204 | Brexit: Part 2
#204 | Brexit: Part 2
Part Two of our Brexit mini-series focuses on the Brexit vote itself.In this episode, we'll look at why the UK held a referendum in the first place, how the campaign was fought, who voted for and against Brexit (and for what reasons), and why it was ultimately the vote to leave the European Union that proved successful.Recap of Britain's complicated relationship with EuropeWhy did the UK hold a referendum on EU membership in the first place?The rise of Euroscepticism & UKIPDavid Cameron & the Conservative PartyDid people care about the EU before the Brexit vote?"Indescribably selfish recklessness"The Brexit campaign: Leave vs. RemainReluctant RemainersMessaging of the Remain campaign ("An Unnecessary Risk")Messaging of the Leave campaign ("Take Back Control")Who voted to remain?Who voted to leave?“I think the people of this country have had enough of experts”Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/brexit-part-2
21-10-2021
21 minutos
#202 | A History of Fake News
#202 | A History of Fake News
The term "fake news" came to prominence in late 2016, but the idea of fake news is as old as time. In this episode, we explore how fake news has been created over the years, for what purpose and by who, and ask ourselves whether it is harder than ever to tell the truth from a lie. "Fake News" in 2016What does "fake news" actually mean?The three reasons that people create fake newsFake News & Mark AnthonyFake News in Trento in 1475Fake News & the NazisThe British government and Fake News in the First World WarHow has news changed over the years?Life on the moon in 1835Macedonian teenagers and Donald TrumpSensational News vs. Fake NewsRussian troll farmsDeep Fakes in 2021Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-fake-news
14-10-2021
24 minutos
#200 | Stéphane Breitwieser: The Greatest Art Thief of All Time
#200 | Stéphane Breitwieser: The Greatest Art Thief of All Time
From 1995 to 2001, a man from eastern France stole 239 different pieces of art from 172 museums, an average of one theft every 14 days.It's estimated that the value of all the stolen art was over 1 billion Euros, but he never sold a single piece of it.The early life of Stéphane BreitwieserBreitwieser's life falls apartMeeting (and falling in love with) his accompliceThe first theftWhy he was such an unusual art thiefHow the thefts would take placeWhy he was a billionaire with no moneyBeing arrested for the first timePromising to do things differentlyBecoming even bolderBreaking promisesGetting caughtThe aftermath of the crimeBreitwieser's hopeless addiction to theftFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/stephane-breitwieser
07-10-2021
25 minutos
#198 | A History of Pirates
#198 | A History of Pirates
"Let's jump on board and cut them to pieces!" - Blackbeard."A merry life and a short one" - Captain Bartholomew Roberts.Pirates have a special place in our imagination. They are both heroes and villains, their lives attractive but scary.In this episode, we'll take a closer look at pirates through history, the situations that allowed them to exist and prosper, what life as a pirate was actually like, what caused the Golden Age of Piracy to come to an end, and the legacy that they left behind.The classic idea of a piratePirates throughout historyThe Golden Age of PiracyWhy was there a boom in piracy in the 17th century?Captain Kidd: was he even a real "pirate"?State-sanctioned piratesThe life of a piratePirate hierarchiesWhat was a pirate attack really like?Pirates: early masters of the power of imageThe story of BlackbeardWhat caused the end of the pirates?The legacy of piratesPirate myth-busting: parrots, pirate language, hooks and treasureFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-pirates
30-09-2021
28 minutos
#196 | Ferdinand Magellan & The First Voyage Around The World
#196 | Ferdinand Magellan & The First Voyage Around The World
In September 1519, a Portuguese explorer and a crew of 270 men set sail from Spain trying to find a sea route west, through the Americas.Three years later, 18 of the men returned, tired and hungry, but becoming the first people to have successfully completed a full circle of the Earth.Introduction to The Age of ExplorationThe Treaty of TordesillasSeeking a route west to The Spice IslandsMagellan presents his idea to King Charles V of SpainWhy was the Spanish king listening to a Portuguese explorer?The early life of Ferdinand MagellanA “career-minded daredevil"Why were spices in such high demand?Why did Magellan sail for Spain, not Portugal?The start of the expeditionThe first mutinyFinding a passage through South AmericaCrossing The Pacific OceanArriving at GuamMagellan's death in The PhilippinesArriving at The Spice IslandsThe journey back to SpainThe legacy of the expeditionWho was the first person to have circumnavigated the globe?Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/ferdinand-magellan
23-09-2021
29 minutos
#194 | Occupy Wall Street
#194 | Occupy Wall Street
On September 17th, 2011, hundreds of people descended on a park in the heart of New York's financial district.Their aim? To protest against the global financial system and its effects on  99% of the population.On this 10th anniversary of the protests, we take a look at what happened, what they achieved, and what impact they might have in the future.The United States in 2011The 1% vs. the 99%A global sense of uprisingThe idea behind Occupy Wall StreetMeeting in Zuccotti Park in New York's Financial DistrictWhat did the protestors actually want to change?Famous article by economist Joseph StiglitzThe public perception around the need for changeA different model of decision-makingThe end of the protestsWhat actually happened during the protests?Criticisms of Occupy Wall StreetDisorganisation & being tricked about Radiohead playingDid it really represent the 99%?Pushing the idea of the 1% vs. 99% into the public consciousnessLegacy of Occupy Wall StreetFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/occupy-wall-street
16-09-2021
19 minutos
#192: A History of Wikipedia
#192: A History of Wikipedia
It is one of the most popular websites in the world and has the goal of being a comprehensive collection of all of the knowledge in the world.In this episode, we'll learn about the history of this amazing website, why it succeeded where others failed, how it actually works, and its importance as a source of truth.Some statistics about how big Wikipedia isHistory of encyclopediasBomis.com and the dot-com-boomThe founding of NupediaWhy Nupedia didn't workLaunching WikipediaWhy (and how) Wikipedia was differentWikipedia's early growthEarly criticisms of WikipediaWho pays for Wikipedia?The surprising second and third most popular languages on WikipediaAutomating article creationCriticisms of Wikipedia's trustworthinessTrump vs. Biden on WikipediaInfluence of the contributors on what is published on WikipediaWhy you should edit WikipediaFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-wikipedia
09-09-2021
26 minutos
#190: The National Rifle Association
#190: The National Rifle Association
It's one of the United States' most powerful advocacy groups and is a fierce defender of gun rights.But it hasn't always been like this.In this episode, we'll discover how it went from helping create gun control laws to becoming the most powerful pro-gun organisation in Washington D.C.The early years of the NRAHelping introduce gun control laws in the 1930sPassing the Gun Control Act of 1968The 1970s: A change in the NRAWhat does the NRA actually do? 5 key activitiesHow the NRA reacts after a mass shootingThe effect on the NRA of mass shootingsBarack Obama: "the best gun salesman in America"The controversy within the NRAHow many Americans live in a household with guns?American perceptions towards gun ownershipFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/nra
02-09-2021
22 minutos
#188: Bonnie Prince Charlie
#188: Bonnie Prince Charlie
In 1745 Charles Stuart arrived on the west coast of Scotland with the aim of taking back the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland.It didn't go as planned and resulted in the last battle fought on British soil.In this episode, we'll learn about his failed rebellion, and the legacy he has left on Great Britain.The early life of Bonnie Prince CharlieRelationship Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of ScotsMeaning of "Pretender" in EnglishThe Divine Right of KingsArriving in Scotland in 1745Life in Britain under the HanoveriansThe Highland ClansMarching towards EdinburghMarching south towards LondonStopping at Derby and turning back northWhat if the French had come to help?Who actually was in the Jacobite and government armies?The night before CullodenThe Battle of CullodenThe aftermath of the battle“Run, you cowardly Italian”The life of Bonnie Prince Charlie after CullodenSuppression of Highlandism after the battleThree unusual facts about Bonnie Prince CharlieFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/bonnie-prince-charlie
26-08-2021
29 minutos
#186: William Wallace
#186: William Wallace
He was the Scottish rebel who fought against the English and has become the most famous freedom fighter in Scottish history.In this episode, we'll learn all about his battles against the English, and the legacy that William Wallace left on the country.Introduction to mini-series on Scottish heroesThe brutal execution of William WallaceIntroduction to Scotland (as a part of the British Isles)William Wallace "the man" vs. William Wallace "the legend"The death of Alexander IIGaining a reputation as a hater of the EnglishRaising a small army and fighting the EnglishThe battle of Stirling BridgeBeing rewarded with the position of The Guardian of ScotlandEdward II marching north to teach William Wallace a lessonThe battle of Falkirk"The machine gun of the Middle Ages"Becoming a diplomat and going to EuropeCapture and executionLegacy of William Wallace within Scotland1995 film "Braveheart"Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/william-wallace
19-08-2021
23 minutos
#184: Banned Books
#184: Banned Books
It's often said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and throughout history there are books that have been considered too dangerous to be read. In this episode, we'll take a look at the times when governments have banned books, the reasons for this, and ask ourselves what this tells us about society.What's the link between The Bible, William Shakespeare, Harry Potter, The Quotations of Chairman Mao and Mickey Mouse?What does "banning" actually mean?Correlation between banning books and restricting civil liberties“….where they burn books, they will also ultimately burn people.“ The invention of the Gutenberg Printing PressIndulgences of the Catholic ChurchGrowth of printing (and importance of censorship)Reasons for banning books: political, sexual, moral & religiousThe banning of Mein KampfThe trial of Lady Chatterley's LoverWhat banning books does for book salesThe debate around The Catcher in the RyeReligious bans & The Satanic VersesBanning books in 2021Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/banned-books
12-08-2021
26 minutos
#182: The Crazy Life of John McAfee
#182: The Crazy Life of John McAfee
He was an internet security pioneer, and his McAfee Antivirus software was used on hundreds of millions of computers all around the world.But privately, he lived a crazy life that ended in tragedy.In this episode, we'll learn all about the wild, wild, life of this cybersecurity legend.The early life of John McAfeeFinding talent for mathematicsEarly vices: drink & drugsBeing kicked out of his PhD programmeWorking in high-powered technology jobs (and developing a terrible drug addiction)Creating McAfee Antivirus and making money from paranoiaWalking away with $80 millionBecoming a target for hackersLosing all of his money in the financial crashMoving to BelizeClaiming he was being extorted by the Belizean governmentThe murder of George FaullFleeing BelizeRunning for US PresidentAttacking McAfee AntivirusPromoting cryptocurrencyBeing chased by the IRS and FBIThe final chapter: The Spanish jail cellConspiracy theories about his deathFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/john-mcafee
05-08-2021
22 minutos
#180: Winston Churchill & The English Language
#180: Winston Churchill & The English Language
He is considered by many to be the greatest public speaker in British history, and his words and speeches were a defining force in the British war effort.In this episode, we'll learn all about how Winston Churchill used the English language to inspire a nation.Winning the 1953 Nobel Prize for literatureEarly obstacles to being a great oratorCompleting his education on his ownStudying the great English oratorsSpending four decades as a member of parliamentChurchill's gift for storytellingThe medium: the radioMy grandfather's memories of Churchill's speechesBackground to Churchill's speechesHow Churchill wroteWriting more words than William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens combinedSpeech #1: "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat“ Speech #2: "We shall never surrender"Speech #3: "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job"Why Churchill's words are so powerfulChurchill's wit (and some funny jokes)Full transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/winston-churchill-language
29-07-2021
29 minutos
#178: The Space Race - Part Three | The New Space Race
#178: The Space Race - Part Three | The New Space Race
In 2019, former Vice President Mike Pence said "Make no mistake about it - we're in a space race today".Discover who the key players are, why there is a renewed interest in going to space, why it is now cheaper than ever before, and what the future of space exploration might look like.Enthusiasm for space post moon landingWhat was the next step in the first space race?Mike Pence's view on the new space raceUS, Russia and ChinaThe emergence of private space companiesWhy has going to space become cheaper?Space mining: what is it, and how does it work?Space junk?The benefits of space exploration for life on EarthPrivacy and spaceThe laws of spaceReasons to be excited about a new space raceDifferences between the new and the old space raceFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/space-race-3
22-07-2021
19 minutos
#176: The Space Race - Part One | The Early Years
#176: The Space Race - Part One | The Early Years
After the end of the Second World War, the US and the USSR were locked in a race to get to space first.Discover how the race started, who scored all the early points, and why going to the moon first was the biggest prize in space history.End of World War II & Nazi V2 rocketsThe head of the USA space programme: Wernher von BraunThe head of the USSR space programme: Sergei KorolevThe early years of The Space RaceWhy there was such a desire to get to spaceCommunism vs. CapitalismThe first Sputnik SatelliteConfusing The AmericansFirst animals into spaceYuri Gagarin: The first man in space1962: A bold claim from President John F. KennedyNext step "the moon"The alternative "man on the moon" plansFull transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/space-race-1
15-07-2021
24 minutos
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