Épisodes

  • The Legend of El Dorado: Golden Man, Mythical City, Enduring Obsession | Big Topics
    May 7 2025

    Welcome to another episode of English Plus Podcast, where we take your English and knowledge to the next level! Today, we embark on a thrilling expedition into one of history's most captivating and elusive legends: El Dorado.

    Imagine a king so rich he bathed in gold, a city paved with precious metals, an empire of unimaginable wealth hidden deep in the South American wilderness. For centuries, this shimmering mirage lured explorers, adventurers, and fortune-seekers into a relentless, often fatal, quest.

    In this episode, we will:

    • Uncover the True Origins: Journey back to the Muisca people of Colombia and the ceremony of the "Gilded Man" (El Dorado) at Lake Guatavita.
    • Trace the Transformation: Discover how this ritual evolved in the minds of European conquistadors into the myth of a sprawling city of gold, leading to centuries of desperate searching.
    • Meet the Seekers: Learn about famous and infamous explorers like Gonzalo Pizarro, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the tragic Lope de Aguirre, and the devastating consequences of their obsession.
    • Explore the Legacy: Discuss the profound impact of the El Dorado myth on indigenous populations, the environment, and its enduring power as a metaphor for unattainable dreams and the dangers of greed.
    • Get Practical: What can the legend of El Dorado teach us about our own ambitions, financial decisions, and the narratives that shape our modern world?
    • Language Focus: Boost your English! We'll break down key vocabulary (like conquistador, indigenous, mythical, allure, ill-fated), explore descriptive storytelling techniques in our speaking section, and tackle a creative writing challenge inspired by the quest for El Dorado in our grammar and writing segment.
    • Join the Discussion: Ponder thought-provoking questions about myth vs. reality, the ethics of ambition, and what El Dorado means in the 21st century.

    This episode is more than just a history lesson; it's an exploration of human nature, the power of belief, and the real treasures we might overlook in our pursuit of glittering phantoms.

    So, tune in to English Plus Podcast, and let's delve into the golden, tragic, and utterly fascinating legend of El Dorado. Don't forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for transcripts, vocabulary lists, and to join our community discussion! Subscribe and share to support the show!

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    21 min
  • Plus Bites 2: Shared Perspectives, Rome's Unraveling, and the Power of Now
    May 6 2025

    Welcome to a packed episode of Plus Bites from English Plus Podcast! We kick off with English Express, exploring the profound connection of "seeing eye to eye" – what does it truly mean to share a perspective? Then, in History Bites, we unravel the complexities behind the "Fall of Rome," questioning if it was a sudden collapse or a slow decay. Pep Talks discusses building resilience, offering practical ways to bounce back from life's knockdowns.

    Mythbuster tackles a common saying: Is all publicity really good publicity? Gods and Heroes introduces us to the powerful Inuit sea goddess Sedna, exploring her dramatic origin and connection to the natural world. In Philosophy Nuggets, we question reality itself – how do we know what's real? Questions That Matter delves into the often-heard advice "just be yourself," asking what authenticity truly means.

    What They Said shares the profound wisdom of the proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." Science Sparks reveals the incredible world of your human microbiome – you're an ecosystem! Unsolved Mysteries investigates the baffling phenomenon of ball lightning. Word of the Day illuminates "Solstice," exploring its celestial and personal meanings. Finally, Why It Happens explains the science behind why your coffee suddenly boils over.

    Join us for these insightful discussions and more. Never Stop Learning!

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 31 min
  • Water Scarcity: The Global Crisis & How You Can Help | Big Topics
    May 5 2025

    Dive deep into the critical issue of water scarcity and access to clean water in this episode of English Plus Podcast. Host Danny explores the difference between physical and economic water scarcity, revealing how billions are affected not just by drought, but by lack of infrastructure and investment. Discover the devastating ripple effects on health (waterborne diseases), food security, economic development, global conflict, and the environment. We then shift to solutions, examining infrastructure projects like desalination, the crucial role of conservation in agriculture and homes, and the importance of policy, governance, and education. Featuring real-world case studies like Cape Town's "Day Zero" and the Aral Sea disaster, this episode provides practical steps you can take individually and collectively. Plus, enhance your English! Learn key vocabulary (potable, aquifer, sanitation, conservation), master expressing cause and effect for clearer speaking, and tackle a persuasive writing challenge with targeted grammar tips (modal verbs, conditionals). Finally, engage with thought-provoking discussion questions about responsibility, the price of water, technology vs. behavioral change, and global equity. Join the conversation on englishpluspodcast.com! #WaterScarcity #AccessToCleanWater #SustainableDevelopment #EnglishLearning #Podcast #SocialIssues #ClimateChange #Conservation

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    53 min
  • Strange Things You Didn't Know about Your Brain & Yourself | English Plus Series
    Apr 17 2025

    Think you know yourself? Think again. Your mind is a fascinating, complex, and often baffling place, full of hidden quirks and surprising mechanisms that shape your everyday reality without you even noticing. Welcome to The Strangest Things You Didn't Know About Yourself, the audio series that delves into the lesser-known corners of psychology to reveal the bizarre and intriguing truths about why you think, feel, and act the way you do.

    Join your host on an eye-opening journey through ten captivating psychological phenomena. In this series, we'll explore:

    • Why your memory isn't the reliable recording you think it is (Episode 1: False Memories)
    • The invisible mental shortcuts constantly steering your choices (Episode 2: Cognitive Biases)
    • The strange reason unskilled people overestimate their abilities (Episode 3: Dunning-Kruger Effect)
    • The powerful, hidden world of your automatic habits (Episode 4: Habits & Autopilot)
    • Why having too many options can actually make you miserable (Episode 5: Paradox of Choice)
    • The astonishing power of your beliefs to affect your body (Episode 6: Placebo/Nocebo)
    • The mental gymnastics you perform to justify your actions (Episode 7: Cognitive Dissonance)
    • How you can literally miss a gorilla walking past you (Episode 8: Inattentional Blindness)
    • Your brain's obsession with seeing faces everywhere (Episode 9: Pareidolia)
    • The surprising way you 'catch' feelings from others (Episode 10: Emotional Contagion)

    Presented in a friendly, conversational style, each episode breaks down complex science into engaging stories and relatable examples. No psychology degree required! Whether you're simply curious about human behavior or seeking deeper self-awareness, this series offers entertaining insights and fascinating facts that will make you see yourself—and the people around you—in a whole new light.

    Subscribe to The Strangest Things You Didn't Know About Yourself now and prepare to be surprised by... well, you!

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    10 min
  • Essentials of Modern Buisness Full Course | English Plus Crash Courses
    Apr 15 2025

    In today’s dynamic and evolving marketplace, understanding the essence of modern business goes far beyond textbooks. Modern Business Essentials dives deep into the interconnected pillars that shape success in the 21st century. This comprehensive course blends theory with actionable insights, covering ten key areas that are essential for businesses to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world. Each unit unravels five distinct chapters, offering real-world examples, case studies, and practical solutions designed for entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals aiming to excel in modern business environments.

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    What You’ll Learn:

    • Business Strategy & Management: Master strategic thinking and learn how to adapt during times of uncertainty.
    • Digital Transformation & Innovation: Discover how automation, AI, and emerging technologies redefine the workplace.
    • Marketing & Branding: Build compelling personal and corporate brands, leveraging content marketing and data analytics.
    • Global Business & Economics: Understand how geopolitics, economic policies, and global supply chains affect businesses.
    • Startups & Entrepreneurship: Scale your ideas while navigating funding challenges and fostering inclusive business cultures.
    • Human Resources & Talent Management: Explore best practices for remote teams, employee well-being, and upskilling.
    • Operations & Supply Chains: Implement lean management principles and tackle risks for efficient business operations.
    • Finance & Investment: Get insights into budgeting, forecasting, FinTech, and risk management.
    • Customer Relations & Service: Create customer-centric models to build loyalty and elevate user experiences.
    • Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility: Integrate sustainable practices and navigate CSR challenges for long-term impact.
    Voir plus Voir moins
    14 min
  • Plus Bites 1 | AI Futures, Ancient Myths, Brain Power & Life's Big Questions
    Apr 14 2025

    Dive deep into a diverse range of fascinating topics in this episode! We start with language, exploring the meaning and nuances of "All's well that ends well" and the weary feeling of "lassitude." Then, we tackle the complex future of Artificial Intelligence, equipping you with essential vocabulary. We delve into personal growth by considering the role of vulnerability, and stretch our imaginations asking "What if art could alter reality?". Test your logic with the classic "Two Doors and Two Guards" brain teaser and enjoy an original short story, "The Ink of What Is." Our journey continues into science with the Sun's protective heliosphere, history with the real story of Cleopatra, and myth-busting the idea of a medieval flat Earth. Discover the Persian myth of the Crimson Warrior, ponder the unsolved mystery of Ivan the Terrible's library, and grapple with moral dilemmas via the Trolley Problem. Learn about your brain's amazing cerebral cortex, find motivation in the value of hard work, and reflect on the importance of the present moment with a quote from Sam Harris. The episode concludes with evocative original writing in "Tales of Tunes" and the poem "A Game of Cards."

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    1 h et 36 min
  • English Plus Shorts 15
    Apr 11 2025

    Welcome to your English Plus Shorts episode from English Plus Podcast! I’m Danny, and in this episode, we’ve got some thought-provoking, and fun short episodes—all in one place. Whether you want to learn a new expression, explore a big idea, or just get inspired, it’s all here. And remember—if you want to dive even deeper with our full-length premium episodes, they’re waiting for you on Apple Podcasts and Patreon. Let’s jump right in!

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    14 min
  • English Plus Shorts 14
    Apr 10 2025

    Welcome to your English Plus Shorts episode from English Plus Podcast! I’m Danny, and in this episode, we’ve got some thought-provoking, and fun short episodes—all in one place. Whether you want to learn a new expression, explore a big idea, or just get inspired, it’s all here. And remember—if you want to dive even deeper with our full-length premium episodes, they’re waiting for you on Apple Podcasts and Patreon. Let’s jump right in!

    To unlock full access to all our episodes, consider becoming a premium subscriber on Apple Podcasts or Patreon. And don’t forget to visit englishpluspodcast.com for even more content, including articles, in-depth studies, and our brand-new audio series now available in our English Plus Podcast’s shop!

    Voir plus Voir moins
    15 min