English Learning for Curious Minds

⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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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

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#513 | The UK University Crisis

English Learning for Curious Minds

11/07/24 • 22 min

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, but there is a growing crisis happening at British universities

In this episode, we'll explain what this crisis is, why British universities are in this unusual position, and learn about the key challenges facing the British university sector.

UK university funding crisis explained
Role of tuition fees in university income
Impact of Brexit on EU student numbers
Importance of international students in university finances
Risks of relying on limited countries for students
Universities running at a financial deficit
Impact of financial strain on less prestigious universities
Debate on course offerings based on economic value
Long-term sustainability of the UK university system
Role of universities in the 21st century education debate

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/uk-university-crisis

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#274 | The Rise of The Great Fashion Houses

English Learning for Curious Minds

06/23/22 • 22 min

The 20th century saw the creation of world-famous luxury fashion houses.

In this episode, we'll explore the stories of Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Versace, and look at how they changed what we wear.

The first fashion designer: Charles Frederick Worth
The concept of "off the peg" clothes
Coco Chanel
Chanel & The Duke of Westminster
The founding of Gucci
The role of sanctions on Italy
The later life of the Gucci family
Christian Dior - designing in post-war Paris
"This is a new look"
Gianni Versace
Versace's approach to using celebrities
"Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" - Aldo Gucci

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/rise-great-fashion-houses

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#404 | The Rise And Fall Of The Vanderbilts

English Learning for Curious Minds

09/21/23 • 20 min

It's a story of how one family went from almost literal slavery to being the richest in the world – before losing it all.

In this episode, we'll be talking about the rise and fall of one of the most influential families in American history – the Vanderbilts.

Jan Aertson's Journey to the New World
Cornelius Vanderbilt: The Commodore's early career in transportation
Vanderbilt's expansion during the California Gold Rush
Vanderbilt's transition to the railway industry
Vanderbilt's immense wealth and his legacy
The character of Cornelius Vanderbilt, The Commodore
The inheritance and financial management of the Vanderbilt family
The extravagant lifestyles and lavish spending of Vanderbilt descendants
The decline of the Vanderbilt fortune and its causes
Notable Vanderbilt legacies: Vanderbilt University, Biltmore Estate, and Grand Central Station

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/vanderbilts

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#464 | Will Scotland Ever Be Independent?

English Learning for Curious Minds

04/18/24 • 18 min

Scotland has had a long and complicated relationship with its southern neighbour.

But will it ever break free? In this episode, we explore the key arguments for and against Scottish independence and look at whether it will ever become an independent nation.

Scottish independence movement history
Reasons for Scottish independence
Economic arguments for and against independence
Impact on Scotland's global standing post-independence
Cultural identity and political reasons for independence
The younger generation's inclination towards independence
Brexit's effect on the independence push
Current status of the independence movement
Likelihood of a future independence referendum
Potential concessions before a new vote

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/scotland-independence

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#228 | The Crazy Life of Elvis Presley

English Learning for Curious Minds

01/13/22 • 33 min

He was told by countless people that he would never make it as a star, yet by his mid-20s he was the most successful musician in the world.

In this episode, we'll learn about how Elvis Presley defied all his critics, became the biggest star of the 1960s, created the category of rock and roll but then lost the battle with his personal demons.

The USA that Elvis Presley was born into
Being given his third choice of birthday present: a guitar
Coming fifth place in a singing competition
Moving to Memphis and developing his own style
Recording his first song at the studio of Sun Records
Failing to achieve success and being told to continue driving a truck
His first hit: "That's All Right"
The musical style of Elvis Presley
His first tour in 1954, aged only 19
Thrusting his hips and causing controversy
Letter to the FBI: "Presley is a definite danger to the security of the United States"
Meeting Colonel Tom Parker, his exploitative manager
Going on the Ed Sullivan show
How much of his own music did Elvis actually write?
Trying to make it as a Hollywood star
Joining the army
Meeting the 14-year old Priscilla Beaulieu
Discovering prescription drugs
Returning to music after a 7-year break
The Elvis comeback
The Las Vegas years & a changed image
His marriage breaking up
His two addictions: prescription drugs & fast food
His love for "Fool's Gold"
How he died, and how it was covered up by his family
The rise of the Elvis impersonator
The legacy of Elvis Presley

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/elvis-presley

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#412 | A Short History of Mental Health

English Learning for Curious Minds

10/19/23 • 17 min

Mental health – it is a sensitive subject that affects every single one of us, with some of us struggling more than others.

In this episode, we are going to explore how mental health has been perceived throughout history and look at some of the reasons that led a top UN official to declare that we are living in a mental health crisis.

History of mental health treatments
Trepanning as an ancient "cure"
Transition from religious defect to medical condition
Grim conditions in early "mad houses"
Introduction of The Lunacy Act in 1845
Controversial treatments like lobotomy and electroshock therapy
Rising awareness and reporting of mental health issues
Factors influencing modern mental health problems
Debate over the validity of the mental health crisis
Michel Foucault's quote on human behavior and consequences

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mental-health-history

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#492 | Cool Britannia | 1990s Britain

English Learning for Curious Minds

07/25/24 • 17 min

In this episode, we'll travel back to the 1990s and uncover the story of "Cool Britannia," a time when Britain experienced a cultural renaissance.

From Oasis to Tony Blair, The Spice Girls to Damien Hirst, we'll learn how politics, music, fashion, and art intertwined to create one of the most vibrant eras in recent British history.

Cool Britannia: A 1990s British cultural renaissance
Vanity Fair's iconic 1997 cover: Liam Gallagher, Patsy Kensit
Tony Blair's "New Labour" and political change in 1990s
Blair's 1997 Downing Street party with cultural icons
Britpop bands: Oasis, Blur, Pulp
The Spice Girls' impact and Union Jack symbolism
Young British Artists: Tracy Emin, Damian Hirst
London as the creative and affordable cultural hub
Economic influence of Britain's creative industries
Criticisms and nostalgia for the Cool Britannia period

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/cool-britannia

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English

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#380 | Marc Rich: The King of Oil

English Learning for Curious Minds

06/29/23 • 24 min

He was a secretive billionaire who would earn the nickname of "The King of Oil".

In this episode, we'll be talking about the early life of Marc Rich, how he made his fortune, how he got on the wrong side of the US authorities, and the controversial presidential pardon.

The Clinton pardon
The early life of Marc Rich
The work of a commodities trader
The global rise of mercury
The Trans-Israel pipeline
Creating Marc Rich + Co
Selling Iranian oil
Being charged with tax fraud

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/marc-rich

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⚡️ How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English