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Thinking in English

Thomas Wilkinson

#8 in Education this week

Thinking in English is a podcast for intermediate and advanced English learners who want to do more than just study grammar and vocabulary.

I believe that thinking is one of the most important steps on the road to fluency. That’s why each episode explores fascinating topics, from politics, economics, and history to philosophy, science, and culture.

Instead of simply learning English, this podcast helps you learn in English. You’ll expand your knowledge, discover new ideas, and improve your language skills, all at the same time.


Bonus episodes and ad-free episodes, exclusive for Patreon subscribers: https://www.patreon.com/collection/869866
Join our Conversation Clubs and support the podcast: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠
Visit the website: ⁠https://thinkinginenglish.blog/⁠


Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English.

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  • 27 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 27 min
  • English

Episodes 27

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  • S1 · E406
    Monday · 29 min

    406. Where Is the BEST Place to Study English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    In this episode, we’re going to look at the research behind English study and try to work out what makes an English-learning environment effective. The goal of the episode is to explore what combination of place, teaching, interaction, and practice gives you the best chance of improving your English!

  • S1 · E405
    September 14 · 27 min

    405. History of Singapore! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    Today, I want to discuss the history of Singapore. We'll look at its early role in Asian trade, British colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, independence, and its transformation into one of the world's richest and most developed countries. At the same time, we will learn some new vocabulary and practice our English listening comprehension at the same time.

  • S1 · E404
    September 7 · 30 min

    404. What is Corruption? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    In this episode, we are going to look at different types of corruption, the political and economic conditions that allow it to develop, and some of the consequences for ordinary people and society. We'll also look at three famous corruption scandals: the 1MDB scandal in Malaysia, the Siemens bribery scandal, and the huge corruption scandal that shook FIFA in 2015. So, let's understand corruption while improving our English listening comprehension and learning some new vocabulary!

  • S1 · E403
    August 31 · 24 min

    403. What is a Growth Mindset? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    We are going to look at what a growth mindset means, how it affects learning, and why it can be particularly important when learning a language. And at the same time, we will practice our English listening comprehension and learn some new vocabulary!

  • S1 · E400
    August 10 · 25 min

    400. History of Rio de Janeiro! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    Today I want to discuss how the city got its names, became the centre of battles between European powers, grew into one of the largest slave ports in the world, and at one time was the only city in the America’s to be the capital of a European Empire. We’ll explore how the city built its fortunes based on gold and coffee, and the how the city has developed in the modern period. And we’ll also practice your English listening comprehension and learn some new vocabulary at the same time!

  • S1 · E398
    July 27 · 33 min

    398. Why Does Canada Speak French and English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    In today's episode, we're going to explore how Canada was formed, why English and French coexist, how Canada developed its unique relationship with Britain, and the biggest challenges shaping Canada's future. And we will do all of this while practicing your English listening comprehension and learning some new vocabulary.

  • S1 · E397
    July 20 · 31 min

    397. Who Will Be the Next Prime Minister of the UK? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    Why has Keir Starmer resigned after such a convincing election victory? Who is Andy Burnham, the politician many people expect to replace him? What kind of prime minister might he become? And why has British politics become so unstable over the past decade? Let's find out, and at the same time learn some new English vocabulary and practice your English listening comprehension.

  • S1 · E395
    July 13 · 28 min

    396. 10 Years Language Learning: Lessons I'd Give My Younger Self (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    in today's episode of Thinking in English, I thought it would be interesting to discuss my past 10 years of language learning experiences: how I went from zero knowledge of Japanese to being able to live in Japanese daily if I need to. Hopefully by listening to this episode, you guys will receive some motivation and some advice about your own language learning journeys.

  • S1 · E395
    July 6 · 28 min

    395. What Was the USA Like in 1776? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    I thought it would be interesting to spend this episode considering what the US was like two hundred and fifty years ago. Back when it was thirteen separate colonies, that were not united at all, and before there was a concept of being an “American” or being a citizen of the USA. I’m going to talk about the original colonies, the declaration of independence, the revolutionary war, and how the USA developed. At the same time, we will be practicing our English listening comprehension and learnin

  • S1 · E392
    June 22 · 32 min

    393. History of Football! (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    In this episode, we are going to explore the development of football. I want to talk about medieval folk football, the British schools that helped create modern rules, and cities like Sheffield that played their own versions of the game. We’ll also look at why football and rugby developed separately, where the word “soccer” actually comes from, and how industrialisation transformed football into a global professional sport watched by billions of people.

  • S1 · E392
    June 15 · 27 min

    392. History of Warsaw (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    In this episode, I am going to explore the fascinating history of Warsaw. We’ll look at its rise as Poland’s capital, periods of foreign occupation and division, the devastation of World War II, communist rebuilding, and the modern city we see today. And we will learn some new vocabulary and practice our English listening comprehension at the same time!

  • S1 · E389
    May 25 · 28 min

    389. What Was the First Book Ever Written? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    Today, I want to explore the history of books, from ancient clay tablets in Mesopotamia to modern audiobooks and e-books on smartphones. We’ll look at the origins of writing, the oldest surviving texts, the first true “books,”  the world’s first novels, the printing revolution, the bestselling books in history, and finally… the future of reading itself. And we will do all of this while learning some new vocabulary and practicing your English listening comprehension.

  • S1 · E390
    May 18 · 26 min

    388. Is the American Dream Dead? (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    If you work hard, can you build yourself a better life? For a long time, millions of people believed the answer in the USA was yes. The “American Dream” is the idea that anyone, no matter where they start in life, can achieve success through hard work and determination. You could own a home, have a stable job, raise a family, and earn more than your parents. But today, many people in the US are questioning whether that dream still exists. Housing prices are rising. Student debt is growing. Many

  • May 11 · 24 min

    387. Why Are Some People Always Late? The Cultural Meaning of Time (English Vocabulary Lesson)

    You are invited to a party. The invitation says the party starts at 20:00. What time will you arrive? Your answer to this question has a lot to do with your culture. Some of you will have said 20:00 exactly, because that is when the part stats. Others will have said 19:45, because it is polite to be early. Others will have said 20:30… or 21:00… or later because it is awkward to arrive too early. Your answer to my question is connected to how your culture understands time: the direction of time; the use time; punctuality; and more. So today I want to look at the cultural meanings of time, highlight some common cultural misunderstandings that will be relevant for any of you living/studying/or working internationally, and do all of this while introducing new English vocabulary and practicing your English listening comprehension. Conversation Club - ⁠https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/⁠⁠ TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/05/11/387-why-are-some-people-always-late-the-cultural-meaning-of-time-english-vocabulary-lesson/ AD Free Episode - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon - ⁠https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Channel -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ INSTAGRAM - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) $10 Free Credits on iTalki (Affiliate Link) - https://www.italki.com/affshare?ref=af17506448 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ My Editing Software (50 % Discount Affiliate Link) - https://descript.cello.so/BgOK9XOfQdD Borough by Blue Dot Sessions Contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media podcast network.⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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