English Learning for Curious Minds

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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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

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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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

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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