Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter. Traditionally, during Lent, Christians fast or give something up. In today's episode, I talk about giving up sugar, plus give some tips on how best to use flashcards to learn vocabulary.

Vocabulary: Give something up, Lent, Ramadan, Abstain, Hold someone accountable, Hojicha, Taste buds, Crave, Vain, Spring (verb), Daylight savings, Flashcards

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Lent for the full transcript.

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Hello, my Lovely Learners! Today we have an episode from English Learning for Curious Minds with Alastair Budge. You might remember last year we did an episode together where we wrote a story, A Visitor from Chilly Bottom, which you can listen to here: https://easystoriesinenglish.com/Chilly/

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 at: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/banksy

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Adrian wants to write, but he can never concentrate. He tries waking up early before work, but he always just goes back to bed. Finally, he decides to start napping, but the results aren't what he expects...

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Dream for the full transcript.

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Level: Advanced.

Genre: Philosophical.

Vocabulary: Circadian rhythm, Weaker self, Dent, Blaring, Nap, Diagnostic framework, Buoy, Querying agents, Hook line sinker, Bespectacled, Autopilot, Pond, Thrum, Fête.

Setting: Modern.

Word Count: 1118.

Author: Ariel Goodbody.

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I catch you all up on what I've been up to recently. There's a bit of philosophy, some dating, and some very manic studying for Japanese. Plus a bit of history! Ever wanted to know about Britain's most infamous king? Now you can! All that and more in today's free-wheeling conversational episode.

Content warning: this episode has some mild swearing in it

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Yappa for the full transcript.

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A dragon is terrorising the city of Kraków, but one man has a way to defeat it. It won't take strength, though, but wisdom.

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Krakow for the full transcript.

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Level: Pre-intermediate.

Genre: Myths & Legends.

Vocabulary: Prove yourself, Terrorise, Flame, Flesh, Wisdom, Strength, Wander, Cobbler, Device, Sulphur, Powder.

Setting: Fairytale.

Word Count: 1901.

Author: Ariel Goodbody.

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Felicity is a successful lawyer, but she wants a change. She tries painting and loves it. But there's a problem: everyone hates her paintings. Can she find the true shape of her art?

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Shape for the full transcript.

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Level: Beginner.

Genre: Philosophical.

Vocabulary: Shape, Sculpture, Law, Wrong (feeling), Art supplies, Landscape (painting), Portrait, Abstract, Bin.

Setting: Modern.

Word Count: 1397.

Author: Ariel Goodbody.

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One day, Leila finds a strange butterfly with three dots and fine lines on its wings. When she tries to touch the butterfly, it turns into a witch and drags her to her castle! For seven years Leila works for the witch, trying to find a way to escape. Then, one day, the witch says she is going travelling...

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Wool for the full transcript.

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Level: Pre-Intermediate.

Genre: Children's.

Vocabulary: Rotten, Fig, Witch, Wart, Scar, Scratch, Itch, Dot, Her curiosity got the better of her, Gaze, Reflection.

Setting: Fairytale.

Word Count: 3099.

Author: A. M. Jalili.

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Eugene is a big nerd, and he's afraid of everything. But one day, a man attacks him in the street, and Eugene discovers that he isn't so weak after all.

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Fast for the full transcript.

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Level: Beginner.

Genre: Comedy.

Vocabulary: Nerd, Solve a formula, Strategy, Attack, Avoid, Power cut, Swing, Punch, Dodge, Lamppost.

Setting: Modern.

Word Count: 1098.

Author: Ariel Goodbody.

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Chocolate oranges, burning puddings and white carrots: British Christmas is quite unique. Find out all about how it's celebrated in today's episode.

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Christmas for the full transcript.

My video on making mince pies: https://youtu.be/i7VcVKYQRKI

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Word count: 5099

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The nose of a duck, the fur of an otter and the tail of a beaver: platypuses are one of the strangest animals in the world! So where did they come from? Find out in this hilarious story...

Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Platypus for the full transcript.

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Level: Pre-Intermediate.

Genre: Myths & Legends.

Vocabulary: Platypus, Beak, Came to be, Can’t be bothered, Pester, Beaver, Tail, Dam, Otter.

Setting: Modern.

Word Count: 1040.

Author: Ariel Goodbody.

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New to the podcast, or want to know how best to learn English, and more about me, Ariel Goodbody? You're in the right place. In today's episode I reintroduce myself, answer some frequently asked questions and recommend you my favourite episodes.

Transcript: https://www.easystoriesinenglish.com/start

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Word count: 6463

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