 
In part one of a four-part mini-series on Scotland, we'll explore some unusual Scottish traditions.   From the mythical haggis "creature" to the Highland Games, the deep-fried Mars bar to the mysterious taste of Irn-Bru's, and finish up with five intriguing facts about Scotland's national instrument the bagpipes.  Unusual Scottish traditions and factsHaggis: a Scottish dish, not an animal Burns Night: reading "Address to a Haggis"Highland Games: sports, music, celebrationsTossing the caber, hammer throw, haggis hurlingDeep-fried Mars bar: calorific treatIrn-Bru: Scotland's iconic fizzy drinkBagpipes: national Scottish instrumentBagpipe facts: ancient origins, global presence, Nero's bagpipingGlenmorangie whisky: aged to bagpipe music
 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/scottish-traditions

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#462 | Fried Mars Bars, Bagpipes & Unusual Scottish Traditions

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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 practical advice
Aurelius' personal struggles and resilience
Modern resurgence of Stoicism and its relevance today




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

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#480 | Marcus Aurelius | The Philosopher Emperor

 
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 for July 4th.History of Conservative leadership since 2010.British Prime Ministers’ unpopularity and challenges.Reasons behind Rishi Sunak's early election call.Overview of the UK’s “first past the post” system.Key candidates: Rishi Sunak vs. Keir Starmer.Keir Starmer’s political strategy and criticisms.Conservative Party’s campaign focus on trust and economy.Labour’s campaign focus on change and social issues.Embarrassing moments during Sunak's election announcement.
 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/uk-general-election

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#478 | The UK General Election (2024)

 
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 fights Criminals entering the ice cream tradeOrganised crime and drug dealingAndrew Doyle's resistance to intimidationDoyle family fire and deaths Wrongful conviction of Campbell and SteeleCampbell and Steele's exoneration after 20 years
 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/glasgow-ice-cream-wars

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#476 | The Glasgow Ice Cream Wars

 
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 Knox's backgroundDiscovery of Meredith Kercher's bodyInitial police investigation and Knox's interrogationBeliefs and contradictions in police findingsMedia sensationalism and "Foxy Knoxy" personaPresentation of evidence in courtAppeals and ultimate acquittal of Knox and SollecitoRudy Guede's involvement and continuing developments
 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/amanda-knox-trial

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#474 | The Trial Of Amanda Knox (pt1)

 
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 strategiesInternational vs domestic opinions on BukeleCriticisms of Bukele's authoritarian tendenciesBukele's landslide victory in re-electionBukele's popularity and domestic supportChallenges ahead for Bukele in El Salvador
 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/nayib-bukele

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#462 | Fried Mars Bars, Bagpipes & Unusual Scottish Traditions

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