This year (so far) Thinking in English has released 1700 minutes of podcast content for you to listen to, for free, on your favourite podcast platform!
If the average Thinking in English episode is roughly 25 minutes long, that is about 70 episodes in the past 11 months.
In 2023, the podcast has seen a 23% increase in listener numbers, a 70% increase in the number of podcast streams, and a 136% increase in the amount of Spotify followers!
Talking of Spotify, 51,200 people listened to Thinking in English more than any other podcast on the platform. I was a a top 5 show for 209,000 people and a top 10 show for 309,000 people. This was just on Spotify.
This means a lot of people have been listening to a lot of Thinking in English episodes.
But which episodes have been the most popular?
What are the 10 most listened to Thinking in English episodes that I released in 2023 (so far)?
Let’s take a look in this article!
1) 263. The Foreign Language Effect: How Thinking in English Can Improve Your Decision Making and Memories! (English Vocabulary Lesson)
The most popular Thinking in English episode of the year was a relatively recent one – episode number 263. The Foreign Language Effect!
The foreign language effect is the name given to the theory, or idea, that the language you speak in can influence or alter the way you make decisions.
Research has been done showing that people speaking in a foreign language can be more rational, make better financial decisions, and exhibit a host of other slight changes compared to when using their native language.
In this podcast episode, I looked into the research around the foreign language effect, shared with the Thinking in English audience my findings, and suggested a few benefits this could bring.
Have you listened to this episode? What did you think?
2) 260. How to argue (and win arguments) in English?
The second most popular episode I released in 2023 is episode 260. How to argue (and win arguments) in English?
Arguing is a very useful skill to have. Learning how to argue well, and argue effectively, has benefits way beyond arguing with your wife or random internet commenters.
It can help you be more persuasive, be more convincing, and have a wide range of uses in business and academic English.
In this episode I look at how to argue in English and how to win arguments. I cover vocabulary, strategy, and give a lot of examples!
3) 257. Which Country is the Best at Learning English? And What Can We Learn from Them? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Next up in popularity was one of my favourite episodes this year – 257. Which Country is the Best at Learning English?
I have listeners from a lot of countries… nearly 200 countries or territories I think! But which country has the highest English proficiency. And why are they the most proficient in English?
In the episode, I look at the global English proficiency rankings and then discuss 3 case studies.
I discussed why the Netherlands, Singapore, and Scandinavia perform so well in English education and what we can all learn from them!
Listen to this episode to learn from other countries education systems and approaches to language learning.
4) 266. Are You Too Old to Learn English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
How old are you? When did you start learning English? Are you too old to learn English?
A common comment I’ve heard from listeners (and even from friends and family) are that they are too old to learn English. Is this true?
In episode 266. Are you Too Old to Learn English? I looked at what research says about English learning and age. And I found there are two sides to the argument.
From one perspective, children tend to learn languages quickly and efficiently in a way that adults can’t. Children can also become fluent in a way that adults will never be able to achieve.
From the other perspective, anyone can learn a language at any time in their life. Age might effect your learning experience, but it doesn’t stop you from learning.
Listen to the episode to find out more information!
5) 265. What is Overtourism? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
In episode 265 I looked at the issue of overtourism!
This year global tourism and travel has rebounded after years of pandemic restrictions. The results? Discussions about overtourism!
Overtourism refers to the phenomena of too many tourists visiting locations and causing issues like crowding, environmental damage, economic issues, and more.
From Japan’s Mt Fuji, to Italy’s Venice, to the spectacular Machu Picchu in Peru, the world has been struggling with overtourism.
This episode looked at the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to overtourism!
6) 261. The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (English Vocabulary Lesson)
The sixth most popular episode of this year was once that looked at a fascinating ancient history topic: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
I looked at the origins of the seven wonders, and then entered a deeper discussion into each specific wonder.
From the pyramids of Egypt to the hanging gardens of Babylon, this episode was a journey through the ancient world!
If you love history and want to know more about ancient history, listen to this episode!
7) 262. Why is France Banning Islamic Clothes in Schools? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
The next top Thinking in English episode of the year was on a controversial news topic from France. Earlier this year France announced they were banning a style of dress popular among Muslim students in the country.
This episode looked at Why is France Banning Islamic Clothes in Schools?
I think it is an interesting and important topic to discuss. It also allowed me to delve into issues of secularism and religious rights.
If you are interested in current events, social issues, and the news, this would be a great episode for you!
8) 269. What is the BEST Way to Remember English Vocabulary? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
The most recently released episode in 2023’s Top 10 is episode 269. What is the BEST Way to Remember English Vocabulary?
This was not an episode based on anecdotal evidence or my own personal experience. I also wan’t trying to sell you a service.
Instead, the episode took a deep look into 3 specific and scientifically backed strategies to help your studying and allow you to memorise English vocabulary more efficiently.
These strategies included the Feynman method, the Leitner method, and the Production Effect.
I’ve had a lot of great comments about this episode and if you want to pick up some new study strategies I really recommend this episode!
9) 267. How to Spot Fake News and Misinformation in English? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
Our world is full of fake news and misinformation. As English learners you are vulnerable, in fact more vulnerable than native speakers, to misinformation in English.
This episode, episode 267. How to Spot Fake News and Misinformation in English?, looks at why non-native speakers struggle to distinguish fake news in English. Then I provide some clear steps and advice on how to prevent yourself falling for misleading information.
If you tend to read news on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, or Reddit, I really recommend listening to this episode and making sure you are using reliable sources of information!
10) 259. What is BRICS? (English Vocabulary Lesson)
And finally, the tenth most popular episode I uploaded this year was episode 259. What is BRICS?
BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is a confusing organisation which hit the headlines this year as it expanded and admitted new members!
If you want to know more about the history of the group, what type of things they do, and who the new members are, this would be a great episode for you!
What was you favourite Thinking in English episode of the year?
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