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Leonardo English

Are you looking for a more interesting way to learn English? 

English Learning for Curious Minds is a podcast for intermediate-advanced English learners.

Learn weird and wonderful things about the world at the same time as improving your English.

Every episode comes with an interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary and is spoken at a speed you can understand. 

Join listeners from 189 countries and discover a more interesting way of improving your English. 

Find the bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles, key vocabulary, and more at www.leonardoenglish.com

English Learning for Curious Minds

What do “truthiness”, “selfie”, and “goblin mode” have in common?
 

In this episode, we'll see how Words of the Year are chosen, look at some of the most pertinent from history, and explore the winners of this year's prize.
 

 • What "Word of the Year" means

 • How dictionaries choose: data and expert judgement

 • Sometimes a public vote decides the winner

 • Common themes: politics, culture, technology, internet language

 • 2005 "truthiness": feels true, not actually true

 • 2013 "selfie": rise of phone photos of yourself

 • 2016 "post-truth": emotions beat facts in politics

 • 2022 "goblin mode": lazy, messy, not sorry attitude

 • 2025 "6 7": young people's meme with unclear meaning

 • Collins winner "vibe coding": using AI to write code

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/2025-words-of-the-year

---

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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

#587 | The Curious Tradition of Words of the Year

Is AI really a disaster for the environment, or are the fears exaggerated?
 

In this episode, we'll discuss the environmental cost of Artificial Intelligence. 
 

From a water controversy in Scotland to the heat of Arizona, we look at how much energy AI really needs, and whether we should be worried.
 

 • BBC report on AI water use in Scotland.

 • Scotland's data centres use 0.005% of water supply.

 • What data centres are; cooling also uses energy.

 • AI requests create answers, needing powerful chips and energy.

 • Each query uses tiny energy, CO2, and water.

 • Headlines exaggerate AI's impact; context shows minimal effect.

 • Data centres use 1.5% of global electricity.

 • One burger's water equals millions of AI queries.

 • Energy source matters; location and water scarcity change impact.

 • AI use growing fast, but efficiency improving a lot.

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

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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

#585 | Is AI Really Destroying the Planet?

A deadly bomb. A death in a police station. A secret kept from the public. 

In 1969, an explosion in Milan killed 17 people. The police accused a group of anarchists, but the story was not that simple. 

In part one of this three-part mini-series on "Gli Anni Di Piombo" (The Years of Lead), we look at how this tragedy started one of the darkest times in Italian history. 

 • Italy modernising fast, but divided and tense.
 • 12 December 1969: bomb at Milan’s Piazza Fontana.
 • Seventeen dead, eighty-eight injured; shock across Italy.
 • Coordinated Rome bombs; no claim; anarchists blamed.
 • Anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli dies after police questioning; controversy.
 • Pietro Valpreda arrested; weak evidence; years before acquittal.
 • Evidence pointed to far-right group Ordine Nuovo.
 • Suspected cover-ups by police and secret services.
 • Strategy of tension; suspected Gladio links; extent unclear.
 • Impact: fear, ordinary victims, start of the Years of Lead.

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

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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

#582 | Piazza Fontana & The Accidental Death of An Anarchist

In the final part of this three-part mini-series, we'll explore the fascinating life of Manfred von Richthofen, better known as The Red Baron. 

From aristocratic cavalry officer to legendary fighter pilot, his story is one of bravery, strategy, and the harsh realities of war.

 • Manfred von Richthofen's early life and military background 
 • Transition from cavalry officer to fighter pilot 
 • Development of synchronised forward-firing machine guns 
 • Influence of Oswald Boelcke on Richthofen 
 • Rise to prominence and chivalrous reputation 
 • The Red Baron and The Flying Circus 
 • Head injury and its potential effects 
 • Writing of his biography for propaganda 
 • Circumstances surrounding The Red Baron's death 
 • Legacy and enduring fame of The Red Baron

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

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #7] The Red Baron | Germany’s Deadliest World War I Fighter Pilot

In this episode, we’ll explore the fascinating life of Mata Hari, the Dutch dancer accused of being a German spy during World War I. 

Her tale is one of luxury, seduction, and betrayal, but was she truly a spy or merely a scapegoat in a world gone mad with spymania?

 • Mata Hari's execution in 1917 Paris 
 • Her wealthy yet troubled early life 
 • Escape to Paris and rise in exotic dance 
 • Creation of the Mata Hari persona 
 • Her relationships with powerful men 
 • Accusations of being a German spy 
 • French offer to spy against Germany 
 • Arrest after intercepted German telegram 
 • Show trial alleging espionage 
 • Mata Hari as a convenient scapegoat

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #6] Mata Hari | Lover, Dancer, Courtesan…Spy?

Banksy is one of the most famous modern British artists known for his anonymous identity and provocative street art.
In this episode, we'll explore Banksy's history, his rise to prominence, and the powerful messages behind his works. 

 • Banksy's anonymous identity fascinates the public 
 • Starting in Bristol's graffiti scene 
 • "Girl with a Balloon" shreds after auction 
 • Banksy's use of stencils for quick artworks 
 • Political and satirical themes in Banksy's art 
 • Mystery of who Banksy really is 
 • Art on public walls, not in galleries 
 • Criticism of the art establishment 
 • Dismaland as a critique of consumer culture 
 • Banksy's impact on street art's legitimacy

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #5] Banksy | The World's Most Famous Anonymous Artist

In 2016, Italian PhD student Giulio Regeni vanished in Cairo, only for his tortured body to be found days later. 

This episode unravels the chilling mystery surrounding his death and the complex web of political intrigue and cover-ups that followed. 

As Italy and Egypt clash over justice, the lingering question remains: Will there ever be truth for Giulio Regeni?

 • Giulio Regeni's background and studies
 • Trade union research in Egypt
 • Disappearance and murder details
 • Initial Egyptian explanations and cover-ups
 • Evidence suggesting state involvement
 • Italian authorities' response and investigation
 • Four Egyptian officers identified as suspects
 • Challenges in prosecuting suspects
 • Diplomatic relations between Italy and Egypt
 • Ongoing quest for justice for Giulio Regeni

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #4] The Murder Of Giulio Regeni

The Westboro Baptist Church has been called "The Most Hated Family in America". In this episode, we'll learn why. 

We'll uncover the church's shocking protests, its extremist beliefs, and hear the story of how some of its members began questioning their upbringing and ultimately left the church behind.

 • The story of the Westboro Baptist Church
 • Louis Theroux's documentary on the church
 • Controversial protests at soldiers' funerals
 • Founder Fred Phelps and his hateful beliefs
 • Family dynamics and internal influence
 • Megan and Grace Phelps-Roper's departure
 • Internet engagement changes perspectives
 • Fred Phelps' possible change of heart
 • Current status of the Westboro Baptist Church

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #3] The Worst Church In The World | The Westboro Baptist Church

In 1985, the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked by four armed men claiming to be linked to the Palestinian Liberation Front. 

What followed were four intense days of threats, negotiation, international diplomacy, and the extraordinary moment when two NATO allies nearly turned their guns on each other.

 • Introduction to Achille Lauro hijacking 
 • Leon Klinghoffer’s murder
 • Hostage situation and demands 
 • Role of the Palestinian Liberation Front 
 • Involvement of the United States and Italy 
 • The deception by Abu Abbas 
 • Showdown between the US and the Italians in Sicily 
 • Trials of the gunmen in Italy 
 • Sinking of the Achille Lauro 
 • Impact on international law and relations

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #2] The Hijacking Of The Achille Lauro

Donald Trump promised a shortcut to wealth, with a free seminar and his famous name. What followed was upselling, fake “professors”, and a 98% rating that hid angry students.

In this episode, we tell the story of Trump University and the $25 million settlement.

 • Free seminar promised success using Trump's business secrets.
 • Three-day seminar cost $1,495, sold as investment.
 • Upsold to Bronze, Silver, Gold packages up to $35,000.
 • Little real teaching; no Donald Trump at events.
 • Misleading use of words: university, professors, hand-picked.
 • Internal handbook showed aggressive sales tactics and credit pushing.
 • High refunds despite claimed 98% approval rate.
 • Court cases in New York and California led to settlement.
 • Trump paid $25 million; no admitting guilt.
 • Brand power drew people; promises of wealth proved empty.

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

---

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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

[Black Friday Freebie #1] Trump University: A $25 Million Lesson in Fraud

It was at one point the most popular job in Britain, surpassing professions such as coal mining and factory work. 
 

In this episode, we'll be talking about the servant class, the hierarchy of different types of servants, and the decline of household service in Britain.
 

 • Most popular job in Britain: Household service in 1901

 • Reasons for high servant numbers: Supply and demand factors

 • Experiences of female servants were generally worse

 • Hierarchy among servants: Butler and housekeeper at the top

 • Decline of domestic service: Supply, demand, and technological changes

 • Modern view: Live-in servants are mostly limited to the very wealthy

 • Recommended media: Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The Remains of the Day

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

---

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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

#408 | Upstairs, Downstairs: The Lives of British Servants

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