English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English

Leonardo English
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Jul 7, 2022 • 24min

#278 | Londongrad: Why Russian Oligarchs Fell In Love With Britain’s Capital

 Since the collapse of the USSR, London has become the city of choice for Russian oligarchs.In this episode, we'll explore how the UK's capital welcomed Russian money and why London became nicknamed "Londongrad".Roman Abramovich buys ChelseaDefinition of "oligarch"Why was London the destination of choice for Russian oligarchs?London's cultural appealThe English legal systemThe English libel lawsLondon as a financial hubCompany ownership in the UKThe "Golden Visa" schemeLinks between Russian oligarchs and British politicsEvgeny Lebedev becomes "Baron Lebedev"London doesn't ask questions about the origin of moneyThe Russian invasion of UkraineThe future of "Londongrad"Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/londongrad ---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
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Jun 30, 2022 • 23min

#276 | Oxbridge: Why Two Universities Dominate Britain

 Despite only educating 1% of the population Oxford and Cambridge University have a tight grip over everything from UK politics to business.In this episode, we look at what life at Oxbridge is like, why graduates often go on to such powerful positions, and see what these two universities have been doing to improve access to disadvantaged children.Global rankings of Oxford & Cambridge universityInfluence and power of OxbridgeHow Oxbridge is divided (the "college" system)How much students at Oxbridge need to workThe most prestigious of the Oxbridge collegesChrist Church Oxford: the college that has produced 13 Prime MinistersTrinity College Cambridge: the college that has produced 34 Nobel prize winnersFamous alumni of OxbridgeWhy are graduates of Oxbridge so successful?Is access to Oxbridge fair?Private schools & OxbridgeGetting into Oxbridge vs. American universitiesThe Varsity Blues scandalCuriosities of Oxbridge: Harry Potter, a library with 13 million books, the head of Oliver Cromwell and a tortoise raceFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/oxbridge ---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
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Jun 23, 2022 • 23min

#274 | The Rise of The Great Fashion Houses

 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 ---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
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Jun 16, 2022 • 24min

#272 | Apollo 13

 It was meant to be a simple space mission to the moon, but 56 hours into the flight tragedy struck.In this episode, we'll learn how three astronauts managed to use teamwork and quick thinking to escape death and return to Earth alive.Background to the Apollo programmeThe objective of the Apollo 13 missionThe pilots of the Apollo 13 missionThe three parts of the Apollo 13 spacecraftThe importance of ground control at HoustonThe uneventful first 56 hours of the missionA piece of routine maintenance goes wrong"Houston, we've had a problem"What actually went wrong?Losing all power and being 330,000 km away from EarthHow quick thinking turned this lunar mission into a rescue missionFiguring out the path backConserving oxygen and water and going around the moonFixing the spacecraft to avoid getting carbon dioxide poisoningReturning to EarthThe legacy of Apollo 13Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/apollo-13 ---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
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Jun 9, 2022 • 21min

#270 | The Inimitable Charles Dickens

 He was the Victorian era's most famous social writer, and his novels were loved by everyone from Queen Victoria to street children.In this episode we'll learn about Charles Dickens shone a light on the injustices of 19th century Britain and invented the modern idea of Christmas.Definition of "inimitable"The early life of Charles DickensHis early experience with grinding povertyBecoming a legal clerk and then reporting on parliamentary debatesHis talent for writing sketchesHis first book: The Pickwick PapersThe serial publication style of Charles DickensThe private life of Charles DickensHis vast literary outputThe social activism of Charles DickensGoing on tour in his later yearsThe fame of Charles DickensHis universal appealCharles Dickens & the modern idea of ChristmasThe legacy of Charles DickensFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/charles-dickens ---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
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Jun 2, 2022 • 27min

#268 | Grigori Rasputin - The Mad Monk

 He was the peasant who went from a village in Siberia to the centre of the Russian imperial court, befriending the Tsar and Tsarina, and playing a role in the downfall of Russia’s longest-serving dynasty, The Romanovs. In this episode, we'll learn about the unlikely but fascinating life of Grigori Rasputin.Russia in 1900Overview of the fall of the Romanov DynastyThe early life of ​​Grigory Yefimovich Novykh ("Rasputin")Discovering the "Khylsts" and “sinning to drive out sin”Earning the nickname of "The Mad Monk"Rasputin's personal hygiene (or lack of)Curing the Tsar's son, AlexeiSecuring a place within the imperial familyRasputin's relationship with the Tsarina, AlexandraAn assassination attempt by a noseless peasantThe plot to kill RasputinThe (very long) murder of RasputinRussia after Rasputin's deathThe legacy (and importance) of Grigori Rasputin on Russian historyFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/rasputin ---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
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May 26, 2022 • 21min

#266 | What’s Happening In San Francisco?

 It is one of the most influential cities in the United States but has recently been accused of falling into disrepair, with rising homelessness and open drug dealing.In this episode, we'll look at what is happening in San Francisco, what has caused this, who and what is thought to be responisble, and what is being done to change it.The mothers' billboards: “Unfortunately, we’re just as famous for our dirt-cheap fentanyl”A brief history of San FranciscoThe tech boom contributes to an increase in house pricesSan Francisco's growing homeless populationDrug use and petty crimeThe election of Chesa BoudinChesa Boudin's personal experience with imprisonmentProposition 47: The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools ActTheories about the causes of San Francisco's declineThe San Francisco budget: more per capita than any other US cityThe use of fentanyl in San FranciscoThe recall Chesa Boudin campaignFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/san-francisco ---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
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May 22, 2022 • 14min

[BONUS] A Conversation with Lindsay from All Ears English

 An interview with Lindsay McMahon from All Ears English.We discuss why learners should focus on "connection, not perfection", why this can be difficult for people, and Lindsay gives three practical tips on what you can do about this.What is All Ears English?What does "Connection Not Perfection" mean?Where does the idea of Connection Not Perfection come from?What is the problem with perfectionism?How does this apply to language learners?3 practical tips that learners can use to better "connect" with EnglishFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/all-ears-english-interviewListen to the All Ears English podcast: https://podfollow.com/all-ears-english-podcast ---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
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May 19, 2022 • 24min

#264 | Meyer Lansky: The Mafia's Accountant

 He was a famous organised criminal known for his superior mathematical skills.In this episode, we'll learn how Meyer Lansky took the American criminal underworld by storm, built an empire and managed to evade the authorities.The early life of Meyer LanskyBefriending Bugsy Siegel & Lucky LucianoThe relationship between the Jewish & Italian mobsThe mob & The Prohibition EraThe Atlantic City Conference & the United Crime SyndicateThe end of Prohibition & starting in the casino businessGetting a reputation for "honesty"Moving to Florida and setting up casinosHis relationship with Batista in CubaLas Vegas & the Flamingo HotelReturning to Cuba & The Havana ConferenceFidel Castro takes power and Lansky loses everythingHis last yearsWhere did all the money go?Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/meyer-lansky ---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
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May 12, 2022 • 19min

#262 | JK Rowling & The Battle To Publish Harry Potter

 On 26 June 1997, an unknown author published a book called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Harry Potter would go on to become the best-selling series in literary history, selling over 500 million copies worldwide.The journey to get there, however, was far from simple.The early life of JK RowlingHer mother's illnessGetting the idea for Harry PotterLosing her mother, moving to Porto and her unhappy first marriageEscaping to EdinburghWriting Harry Potter in a cafe while her daughter sleptTrying to find a publisher for Harry PotterWhy Harry Potter was rejected by so many publishersThe daughter of the boss of Bloomsbury Publishing reads one chapterGetting her first book dealThe reception of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneSeeing JK Rowling's personal story in Harry PotterTaking the book to the USAFull interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/publishing-harry-potter ---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

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