Episodes
  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...
Published 11/07/24
  In August 1997, a tragic car crash in Paris claimed the life of Princess Diana, a beloved figure known for her compassion and humanitarian work.   In this episode, we'll explore the events leading up to the accident, the role of the paparazzi, and the lasting impact on the world.  Death of Princess DianaCar crash in ParisChase by paparazziImmediate aftermath and public griefDiana's early life and marriagesDiana's humanitarian workBritish Royal Family's reactionDiana's funeral and public...
Published 10/24/24
  Today we have some news in English from our friends over at SEND7 - Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes. World News in 7 minutes. Tuesday 15th October 2024. To listen to SEND7 every morning, search in your podcast app for Simple English News Daily, or go to send7.org --- You might like: 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists 🧑‍💼 Demystifying Business English Course ⚡️  How To Use Podcasts Like A Boss To Learn English 📧 Join the weekly...
Published 10/15/24
  In part one of a three-part mini-series, we'll explore the fascinating history of crime and punishment in Britain, from medieval justice to the infamous Bloody Code.   In this episode, you'll learn how the harsh consequences for even minor crimes evolved over the centuries, leading to the modern justice system.   Jean Valjean's punishment in Les Miserables vs. Britain. The Bloody Code and its severe punishments. Justice system in early medieval Britain. William the Conqueror's legal...
Published 10/10/24
  What happens when your country refuses to grant you citizenship?   This is the reality for the Bidoon, a group of nomadic people in Kuwait who claim to be Kuwaiti but remain stateless and are forced to live on the margins of society.   Who are the Bidoon of Kuwait? Why the Bidoon are stateless Kuwait's history and its impact on Bidoon The Bidoon’s nomadic lifestyle Kuwaiti citizenship laws The plight of the Bidoon today Challenges faced by Bidoon families Kuwait’s reasons for...
Published 09/26/24
  Discover the incredible story of The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Robbery, where cunning criminals stole $18 million worth of maple syrup.  In this episode, we'll learn about the surprising details of this sticky crime and the unusual fight between the free market and government regulation in the world of Canadian maple syrup. Maple syrup: liquid gold from maple treesQuebec's maple syrup market dominanceFPAQ's role in regulating syrup productionQuotas and the strategic maple syrup reserveThe...
Published 09/12/24
  George Best is seen as one of the most naturally talented footballers ever, but off the pitch, he battled demons.   From his glittering career at Manchester United to his struggles with alcoholism, in this episode, we'll learn about the wild life of one of football's greats.   Life and career of George Best Comparison with modern footballers George Best's early career His rise to fame in the 1960s Best's off-pitch controversies and lifestyle Struggles with alcoholism Decline in football...
Published 08/29/24
  In this milestone episode, we will deviate from the usual style of weird and wonderful stories.  Instead, I'll take you behind the scenes of the podcast, share some never-before-revealed information, and tell you about an update to our programming schedule.  Introduction & Milestone CelebrationStarting the Podcast JourneyBehind the Scenes: Research & ProductionListener Demographics & Podcast GrowthExpanding Beyond the PodcastChanges to the Production ScheduleReasons for the New...
Published 08/22/24
  Some call it a miracle drug, others warn of its potentially damaging long-term effects on people and society.   In this episode, we'll look at the history of this drug, how it works, why it's popular, and what it reveals about American food and healthcare systems.   Introduction to Ozempic American obesity and food issues How Ozempic works History and approval of Ozempic Ozempic’s impact on weight loss Popularity among celebrities Criticisms and side effects FDA approval...
Published 08/15/24
  The UK has a new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and Labour is back in power.   We discuss what this means for Britain, including Starmer's background, his proposed policies, and the challenges that lie ahead.   Results of the UK general election New Prime Minister: Keir Starmer Labour Party’s winning manifesto Background on Keir Starmer Proposed policies of the Labour Party Challenges facing the new government Housing crisis and proposed solutions Explanation of NIMBY Public spending and...
Published 08/08/24
⚡️⚡️⚡️  Special 500 Episodes Offer ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Get Pro Membership for only €99/year Special link: bit.ly/500Episodes 💰  Save 60% vs. monthly cost✨  Lifetime discount⏱  Ends 23:59, Saturday, August 31st -- The Haitian Revolution is a story of extreme violence, hope, and human rights.   Learn how slaves in Saint-Domingue fought against brutal conditions and multiple European powers to establish the first free black-led nation in the world.   Overview of the Haitian Revolution Toussaint...
Published 08/01/24
⚡️⚡️⚡️  Special 500 Episodes Offer ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Get Pro Membership for only €99/year Special link: bit.ly/500Episodes 💰  Save 60% vs. monthly cost✨  Lifetime discount⏱  Ends 23:59, Saturday, August 31st -- 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...
Published 07/25/24
  JK Rowling, famous for Harry Potter, is now at the centre of a controversial debate on transgender rights.   We'll explore her views, why they've sparked so much outrage and support, and the impact on free speech laws in the UK.   JK Rowling and her views on transgenderism Tweet supporting Maya Forstater’s views on sex and gender Public reaction: support and death threats Her article explaining her five reasons for speaking out Impact on education and safeguarding Freedom of speech...
Published 07/18/24
  John Stonehouse, a promising British politician, disappeared off the Miami coast.   Had he drowned in a swimming accident? Had he been eaten by sharks?   To everyone's surprise, he turned up in Australia a few weeks later with a new identity...   John Stonehouse: Charismatic British politician Disappeared from a Miami beach in 1974 Mysterious reappearance in Australia Stonehouse's financial and personal troubles Speculation about Stonehouse being a Czech spy John Stonehouse's affair with...
Published 07/11/24
  What's the difference between the North and the South of England?   And when does the "North" end and the "South" start?   In this episode, we'll explore these questions, and touch on differences in accents, lifestyles, and even what people call their evening meal.   The origins of the north-south divide in England The fuzzy line dividing north and south Common stereotypes of northerners and southerners The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the north The decline of northern...
Published 07/04/24
  Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist, pulled off one of history's greatest acts of corporate espionage: stealing the secrets of tea production from China.   In this episode we'll explore his daring adventure, the fascinating world of 19th-century tea trade, and how his actions forever changed the global tea industry.   Robert Fortune's theft of tea from China Importance of tea to Britain Opium trade with China Impact of Opium Wars Restrictions on foreign travel in China Fortune's disguise...
Published 06/27/24
  Ayn Rand is one of the most controversial thinkers of the 20th century.   In this episode, we'll explore her philosophy of Objectivism, which champions rational self-interest and free-market capitalism, and discuss why her ideas remain divisive today.   Ayn Rand's life and background Philosophy of Objectivism "The Fountainhead" and its themes Success and controversy of "Atlas Shrugged" Core beliefs of Objectivism Role of government in Objectivism Rational self-interest...
Published 06/20/24
  Meet Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor who combined power with philosophy.   In this episode, we'll learn about his famous work, "Meditations", and explore five key ideas that still resonate today.   Introduction to Marcus Aurelius Importance of his book "Meditations" Control what you can, ignore what you can't Live according to nature and rationality Continuous self-reflection and self-examination Embrace and welcome fate Awareness of impermanence and mortality Authenticity and...
Published 06/13/24
🎂 BIRTHDAY SALE: SAVE 37% WITH CODE “BIRTHDAY37” 🎂  Sign up here: leonardoenglish.com/subscribe and enter code “BIRTHDAY37” Ends midnight July 7th.  Valid for first month on Monthly membership and first year on Annual memberships.  -- The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called an early general election in the UK, surprising many.   We'll explore why he made this decision, the main themes of the election, and who could be the next Prime Minister.  Rishi Sunak calls an early election...
Published 06/06/24
Register for "The Mules": https://bit.ly/MulesJun24 Registration closes 23:59 03/09/2023 || Summer Offer €99 only (€30 off) -- Ice cream vans can be a sweet memory for many, but for Glasgow in the 1980s, they were anything but.   From selling drugs to inciting gang wars and even murder, we'll uncover the dark and shocking tale of the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars.  Background to The Glasgow Ice Cream WarsIce cream vans in GlasgowLiving conditions in Glasgow schemesIce cream van territory...
Published 05/30/24
Register for "The Mules": https://bit.ly/MulesJun24 Registration closes 23:59 03/09/2023 || Summer Offer €99 only (€30 off) -- Amanda Knox's study abroad adventure turned into a nightmare when her housemate was brutally murdered and she found all police attention pointed at her.   In this episode, we'll learn about the twists and turns of this murder case that gripped Italy, the UK and the United States.  Overview of Amanda Knox casePerugia as a popular student cityMeredith Kercher and Amanda...
Published 05/23/24
  Nayib Bukele is the self-proclaimed "world's coolest dictator", and he has managed to do what many people thought was impossible in El Salvador.  In this episode, we'll learn about his rise to power, his controversial treatment of gang members, and explore what comes next for the small Central American nation.  President Nayib Bukele of El SalvadorBukele legalises Bitcoin as currencyHigh crime rates in El SalvadorBukele's controversial policies on gangsBukele's rise to power and...
Published 05/16/24
  In this episode, we'll explore how the country with the largest oil reserves in the world managed to implode, plunging its citizens into extreme poverty.  We'll discover how a mixture of economic decisions, political ideologies, and external pressures contributed to the country's current situation.  Rise and collapse of VenezuelaChavez's presidency and socialist policiesControl over currency and economyThe impact on inflation and poverty ratesMaduro's presidency and worsening conditionsMass...
Published 05/09/24
  I lived in Malta from 2017-2024. In part one of this two-part series, I'll talk about some of my experiences living there, and try to answer a question I'm asked multiple times a week: "Should I come to Malta to study English?"  We'll talk about what types of people come to Malta to study English, how this changes over the year, and what life is really like on a Mediterranean rock.  Why I moved to Malta in 2017Brief introduction to MaltaIntroduction to learning English in MaltaThe three...
Published 05/02/24