English Plus

On the Wrong Side of History 9 | Five Stories of Power, Tragedy, and Consequence

In this special episode of English Plus Podcast, host Danny takes listeners on a compelling journey through five extraordinary events that went terribly wrong. This is On the Wrong Side of History. We delve into the bombing of Dresden in World War II, an act still debated as military necessity or war crime. We explore the Soviet Union’s ill-fated invasion of Afghanistan, where power met resistance in one of the Cold War's most enduring conflicts.

The tragic story of the Donner Party takes us deep into the perils of overconfidence in the wilderness. The Six-Day War reveals how rapid military victories can spiral into decades of struggle. Finally, we revisit the Zulu War, where British imperial arrogance clashed with the unrelenting spirit of the Zulu people.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Your Voice, Hugo’s Masterpiece, and Literature’s Moral Dilemmas

In this episode of English Plus Podcast, we explore three interconnected themes that challenge us to express ourselves authentically, reflect on timeless literature, and engage with moral dilemmas in new ways.

1. Finding Your Voice: Writing the Way Only You Can
   What does it really mean to find your authorial voice? We discuss how your voice isn’t just about writing—it’s about how you express yourself in all areas of life. We’ll explore how your personality and perspective shape your voice and why finding it matters, even if you’re not a writer.
2. Love, Loss, and a Cathedral: The Heart of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
   We dive into Victor Hugo’s classic masterpiece, uncovering themes of beauty, belonging, and judgment. What makes Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s story so powerful, and why does this novel still resonate after two centuries?
3. Right, Wrong, and Everything in Between: Morality in Literature
   Finally, we tackle the concept of morality in literature. What happens when characters make decisions that defy easy judgment? From antiheroes to moral ambiguity, literature reminds us that life isn’t always black and white.

Each segment is followed by a vocabulary discussion where we unpack practical words like rhythm, obsession, and compassion. These terms don’t just belong to books—they belong in everyday conversations, helping you articulate thoughts and connect with others more effectively.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Join us for an engaging journey through creativity, literature, and moral questions—because your voice matters, and stories can change the way we see the world.

On the Wrong Side of History 8 | Hubris, Appeasement, Brinkmanship, Colonialism, and Power Gone Awry

In this captivating episode of English Plus Podcast, we explore five defining moments where history veered off course. What do the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Munich Agreement, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the annexation of Hawaii, and the horrors of the Congo Free State have in common? They all show the dangerous consequences of arrogance, appeasement, brinkmanship, colonial ambition, and unchecked power.

Join Danny as we uncover the lessons these events hold for us today—lessons that warn us against the traps of overconfidence, diplomatic missteps, and the dark side of empire-building.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Mindset, Mental Health, and Gut Wellness

In this episode of English Plus Podcast, we dive into three thought-provoking topics that will change the way you think about aging, mental health, and wellness.

1. Aging: Is It All in Your Mind?
   We start by exploring how our beliefs about aging can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Could shifting your mindset really add more life to your years?
2. Invisible Struggles: Mental Health in Marginalized Communities
   Next, we uncover the hidden barriers to mental health care that many marginalized groups face. How do stigma, chronic stress, and discrimination make it harder for people to access the support they need?
3. Your Second Brain: How Gut Health Shapes Wellness
   Finally, we explore the fascinating connection between your gut and your overall health. From mood regulation to immune strength, your digestive system plays a bigger role than you think.

Each topic is followed by a vocabulary segment that helps you integrate new words—like feedback loop, advocate, and vibrant—into your daily conversations.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Tune in, stay curious, and discover how small changes in mindset, awareness, and wellness can have a lasting impact.

On the Wrong Side of History 7 | From Vietnam to Bosnia—Unraveling Moments of Betrayal and Sacrifice

In this thought-provoking episode of On the Wrong Side of History, host Danny takes you on a journey through five key historical events that shaped—and scarred—the world we live in today. We’ll begin with the Vietnam Draft, a controversial policy that forced young men to fight in a war many believed unwinnable, leading to protests that shook the nation. We then move to the chaotic Fall of Saigon, where the hopes of democracy in Southeast Asia crumbled, leaving allies stranded and dreams shattered.

The story shifts to the Watergate scandal, exposing how the pursuit of power corrupted a presidency and shattered trust in government. From there, we explore the American Civil War—an internal conflict that tore the nation apart in a struggle for identity and justice, whose repercussions are still felt today. Finally, we confront the Bosnian War, a brutal reminder that genocide and hatred can erupt even in modern times, with devastating consequences.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Seasons, Symbiosis, and a Trip to Hell

In this episode of English Plus Podcast, we embark on a journey to challenge common misconceptions, marvel at nature's hidden teamwork, and take an amusing detour to a town called Hell in Norway. First, we debunk the popular belief that seasons are caused by Earth’s changing distance from the Sun. Then, we delve into symbiosis—the unexpected partnerships that reveal the power of collaboration in nature. And finally, we journey to Hell, a real place in Norway that will flip your idea of “Hell freezing over” on its head.

This episode also features a vocabulary segment, giving you practical ways to use words like "tilt," "mutualism," and "quirky" in everyday conversation.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Tune in, stay curious, and see the world from a new perspective—only on English Plus Podcast.

On the Wrong Side of History 6 | Greed, Power, and the Darkest Moments of Humanity

In this episode of English Plus Podcast, host Danny takes you on a deep dive into five pivotal moments from the series On The Wrong Side of History. These are the stories that reveal the worst of humanity’s past—and teach us invaluable lessons for the present and future.

Discover the horrifying scale of the Holocaust and how ordinary people became complicit in one of history’s greatest atrocities. Learn about the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, which shattered trust in the medical establishment and left a painful legacy. Relive the tragic Tiananmen Square Massacre, where a movement for freedom was brutally silenced. Uncover the greed and deception that fueled Enron’s spectacular collapse, and reflect on the British Empire’s ruthless opium trade, which poisoned an entire nation for profit.

These events aren’t just history—they’re warnings.

If you want to unlock the full episode and explore even more from our growing archive, become a To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Breaking Stalemates, Fences, and the Roots of Violence

In this episode of English Plus Podcast, Danny takes you on an enlightening journey through three interconnected topics: breaking stalemates in conflicts, understanding when to jump off the fence of indecision, and uncovering the deep roots of violence. Learn key expressions like public pressure, advocate for peace, fight-or-flight, and prolonged indecision—and see how they apply not only to world affairs but also to your everyday life.

After each topic, you’ll dive into a Learn Vocabulary in Context section to better understand how these terms show up in real-life scenarios. From staying neutral in heated debates to recognizing when violence becomes a survival instinct, this episode will challenge your thinking and leave you with tools to navigate life’s challenges.

To unlock the full episode and gain access to our extensive back catalogue, 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!

Don’t just listen—take action. Join us as we explore how small actions ripple outward to create lasting change.